Five Houston Astros Prospects Who Could Be on the Move at the MLB Trade Deadline
As the July 31 MLB trade deadline looms, the Houston Astros appear poised to operate as buyers once again. With the postseason in sight and roster upgrades needed, the front office may be willing to dip into their farm system to secure high-impact talent. This wouldn’t be the first time Houston parted with young talent to bolster the big-league roster. Just last year, the Astros sent two of their top minor league outfielders to the New York Mets in a deal that brought back ace Justin Verlander — a move that helped push the team to the American League Championship Series.
But this year, Houston’s situation is a bit more delicate. While the desire to contend remains strong, the Astros must be cautious about which young players they’re willing to part with. Several of their top prospects could play key roles in the not-so-distant future, particularly at positions where long-term uncertainty is growing.
Below are five notable prospects the Astros could consider trading — though only those with no prior Major League service time were included in this list. While outfielder Jacob Melton might typically be mentioned, his MLB debut disqualifies him for the scope of this discussion.
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1. Brice Matthews (Shortstop)
Matthews, the Astros’ top-ranked prospect, is viewed internally as a potential franchise cornerstone — especially with the uncertain future surrounding current shortstop Jeremy Peña. Peña recently changed agents to the notoriously hard-nosed Scott Boras, stepped away from contract negotiations with the team, and is currently sidelined due to a rib injury. These developments make Matthews even more important as a potential successor at the position.
Given his potential to take over one of the most vital infield spots, Houston is unlikely to include Matthews in any deal unless it’s for a truly elite player. A controllable All-Star pitcher or a left-handed power bat who can immediately impact the lineup would likely be the minimum return necessary for Houston to even consider moving Matthews.
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2. Miguel Ullola (Right-Handed Pitcher)
Ullola has been the biggest riser among Astros pitching prospects this year. Now in Triple-A and ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the organization by MLB Pipeline, he’s pushing toward an MLB debut and is a strong candidate to be named the team’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year. His electric stuff and proximity to the majors make him a valuable chip — and opposing teams are well aware of it.
That said, much like Matthews, Ullola’s name would likely only come up in conversations involving elite-level talent. With the Astros needing pitching both now and in the future, dealing Ullola would only make sense if the return provides immediate, high-level help — preferably a front-line starter or power-hitting bat with multiple years of team control.
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3. Luis Baez (Outfielder)
Baez is a name that keeps gaining traction in scouting circles. He’s only 21 years old but is progressing quickly and could realistically be knocking on the MLB door as soon as next year. Last season, he slugged 21 home runs — the fourth-highest total among players his age or younger — and he profiles as a power-hitting righty with a swing tailor-made for Houston’s hitter-friendly Crawford Boxes in left field at Daikin Park.
Baez’s tools and upside will undoubtedly intrigue rival teams, especially those lacking outfield depth in their own systems. However, because of his promising bat and how well it fits with the Astros’ home park, the front office may be reluctant to part with him unless he’s part of a larger package for a major difference-maker.
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4. Michael Knorr (Right-Handed Pitcher)
Knorr doesn’t currently carry the same star power as Ullola, but he’s quietly moved up the ranks. Selected in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft, Knorr has worked his way up to Triple-A despite some health setbacks along the way. When healthy, his pure “stuff” has caught the attention of evaluators, and his current proximity to the big leagues makes him a very appealing trade chip.
He may not be as untouchable as Matthews or Ullola, but Knorr’s near-readiness means his name will almost certainly surface in trade conversations. For teams seeking pitching depth or looking to rebuild their rotations, he represents both upside and a short wait time.
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5. Caden Powell (Infielder)
A bit further down the pipeline is Caden Powell, a power-hitting infield prospect drafted out of Seminole State Junior College in the sixth round last year. He played shortstop and third base in college and put up eye-popping numbers — 32 home runs and 104 RBIs in a single season.
While still raw, Powell’s power potential makes him an intriguing option for teams looking for long-term development pieces. He doesn’t currently project as a frontline starter in Houston’s immediate plans, but his slugging ability could make him a valuable addition as a secondary piece in a larger trade package. Think of him as a “throw-in” with long-term upside — a sweetener that could help close a deal.
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Final Thoughts
The Astros are navigating a tricky deadline landscape in 2025. They’re still in the thick of the playoff race and will likely aim to acquire impactful talent to strengthen their bid. But they’ll need to balance their current ambitions with the long-term health of the organization. That means selectively parting with prospects who may not fit their immediate plans — while holding onto those with a clear role in the team’s future.
Players like Brice Matthews and Miguel Ullola will likely only be dealt in blockbuster trades that bring back significant assets. Meanwhile, others like Luis Baez, Michael Knorr, and Caden Powell may be more realistic options to help facilitate trades for mid-tier reinforcements. Either way, the Astros’ depth in the minor leagues gives them the flexibility to make moves — and fans should expect the front office to explore all options as the July 31 deadline approaches.
