The Houston Astros are in far better position than expected after losing both Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman this past offseason. There were valid reasons to believe the franchise was going to take a step back after years of postseason contention. However, this hasn't been the case with Houston's veterans stepping up, along with surprise producers, to give the team a five-game division lead at the All-Star break.
Now is the time for the Astros to attempt to push their chips to the center of the table and make another World Series run.
Houston is simply in far too great a position to consider any other path as we enter the unofficial second half of the season.
With this in mind, it is time for the Astros to consider making a truly splashy addition and parting ways with the recently promoted Brice Matthews. While trading who is arguably the team's top prospect isn't going to be popular, it sends a message. One that understands Houston's window for World Series contention could quickly close.
Astros Should Consider Trading Brice Matthews
If you doubt the need to trade top prospects to give the franchise its best chance at making a postseason run, look around the league. The Astros are winning based on experience and having veteran pieces in place who can help offset the losses of key offensive pieces. Still, if we're being objective, this isn't a top contender in the American League.
Being willing to trade Matthews gives the franchise a chance to change this overnight. As promising as the young prospect might be, the Astros don't have the luxury of patience right now. Houston trading its top prospect for an established star player makes sense and gives the team its best chance at making a run. While the franchise can make other upgrades without dealing with Matthews, it will take trading the infielder to truly bring in a star player.
Matthews is the team's most attractive trade chip in its system, and his recent promotion serves as evidence of this. Trading the young infielder for an established star is going to garner mixed reviews, but it is the right move if the Astros are serious about attempting to win it all in the 2025 season.