The Astros should go after some Marlins’ relievers before the trade deadline

The Astros desperately need bullpen help. Right now, the reliever staff is their biggest weakness heading into the season’s half, and even though they’re hot right now with a six-game winning streak, things get tougher as the regular campaign goes on. On the other side, in the National League, the Marlins might be in a position to sell some of their interest relievers.

From what I’m seeing and what’s happened throughout the season for the Fish, there are at least four names the Astros should take a look at. Dylan Floro, John Curtiss, Richard Bleier, and their current closer Yimi García.

Each one of those has postseason experience while Floro and Curtiss have thrown in the World Series, which Floro won with the Dodgers last year. García could be the most attractive and affordable name of the group since he’s set to hit the open market after ’21 and it’s safe to assume the ‘Stros wouldn’t have to break the bank to get him.

Looking at the Astros’ needs, a reliever that avoids home runs and walks could come in handy for them. García and Bleier give up only 2.8 and 0.4 walks per nine, respectively. In terms of home runs, Floro is yet to allow one while Curtiss surrenders less than one (0.9) per nine.

Their stats throughout Saturday…

· RHP John Curtiss: 26 G, 30 1/3 IP, 29 H, 10 ER, 6 BB, 33 K, 1.15 WHIP, 2.97 ERA

· RHP Dylan Floro: 32 G, 29 IP, 27 H, 12 ER, 12 BB, 24 K, 1.35 WHIP, 3.72 ERA

· LHP Richard Bleier: 29 G, 24 2/3 IP, 21 H, 9 ER, 1 BB, 22 K, 0.89 WHIP, 3.28 ERA

· RHP Yimi García: 28 G, 26 IP, 20 H, 8 ER, 8 BB, 25 K, 1.08 WHIP, 2.77 ERA

Regarding what the Astros have to offer, it’s not a secret they don’t have a deep farm system right now, but still, the Marlins could find something interesting to continue their development and compete in the short term.

But the Astros need one or two effective relievers right now to take advantage of their good starting pitching and massive offense. They clearly have one shot this year to win it all so it’s almost mandatory for them to reinforce their bullpen.

Looking back to their trade history, there hasn’t been much action between each other. On June 13, they pulled off a trade that sent long-time minor-leaguer Lorenzo Quintana to Miami and that was their first transaction since 2014. Look at every trade between the Astros and the Marlins, courtesy of Baseball-Reference…

This season seems like a good time to make a major trade, looking for bullpen help to take another step to success in 2021.

Who would you be willing to sacrifice for bullpen help in 2021? Do you think the imminent return from IL of Austin Pruitt, Josh James, or Pedro Baez will provide enough bullpen support without a trade?