The Astros stood pat at the 2025 trade deadline, but reinforcements are coming. See why Jeremy Peña's rehab homer and Cristian Javier's return are key.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
On a quiet off-day for the Houston Astros, the biggest bangs came from the minor leagues. While the MLB trade deadline passed on July 31st with little fanfare from the front office, shortstop Jeremy Peña sent a loud message with a rehab home run, headlining a day that proved the most significant roster boosts may be coming from within.
The biggest additions could come from the injured list, not the trade market.
The most encouraging news of the day came from the farm, where two of the Astros' biggest stars are nearing their return. Shortstop Jeremy Peña, on a rehab assignment, launched a home run, a clear indicator that his timing and power are returning after his stint on the injured list. Not to be outdone, pitcher Cristian Javier took the mound for his own rehab outing, tossing 2 2/3 innings. This measured workload is a crucial step in stretching him out to rejoin the major league rotation. Their imminent return feels like acquiring two All-Star caliber players without giving up any prospects.
As the 4 p.m. trade deadline came and went, the Astros remained conspicuously quiet. While fans speculated about potential moves, the front office's inaction speaks volumes. It's a vote of confidence in the current roster and a bet that the internal reinforcements from Peña and Javier will provide a bigger impact than any available trade piece. With MLB Pipeline's prospect rankings in a holding pattern pending the deadline, the Astros' farm system remains intact, preserving the organization's future.
Even without a major league game, the future of the organization was on full display. Outfield prospect Anthony Huezo made a spectacular, highlight-reel diving catch that earned a feature on the official Minor League Baseball news feed. This single play is a reminder of the defensive talent brewing in the Astros' system and reinforces the front office's wisdom in protecting its top prospects. While the big club rested, Huezo showed that the next wave of talent is working hard and ready to shine.
With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, the Astros' path forward is clear. The focus now shifts to getting healthy and integrating their returning stars for a strong push through August. The team's biggest acquisitions this summer may not have come from trades, but from their own training room, and that could be just the spark Houston needs for the stretch run.
