Houston Astros Near Last in AL West Despite Trade Rumors for Yordan Alvarez The Houston Astros, currently sitting near the bottom of the American League standings with a 28-25 record and fourth place in their division, are unlikely to enter a full-scale rebuild by trading their MVP favorite, Yordan Alvarez, during the season. Despite their struggles, the Astros are not expected to make a significant move involving Alvarez before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. This season has been a challenging one for the Astros, who are on pace to have their worst performance since 2014 when they finished with a 70-92 record. The team also ranks fourth-worst in the American League with a run differential of minus-35, trailing only the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, and Los Angeles Angels. Adding to their woes is a lack of promising prospects in their farm system, which MLB.com has labeled as the worst in the league. Coming into the season, the Astros did not have a top-100 prospect, further limiting their options for future development. Yordan Alvarez remains the team’s most valuable asset, both on and off the field. The 28-year-old slugger is having an MVP-caliber season, posting a .316/.426/.649 slash line with 21 home runs in 62 games. His performance has earned him a spot at the top of league leaderboards, as he leads the American League in batting average and home runs while also holding the highest slugging percentage in Major League Baseball at .649. His combination of age and offensive prowess makes him a potential game-changer for any contending team in a playoff race. Alvarez is under contract for two more seasons, with a total of $53.6 million in guaranteed pay.#mlb #jeff_passan #american_league #houston_astro #yordan_alvarez
Yankees' Randal Grichuk Added to Big-League Roster The New York Yankees have activated Randal Grichuk for the 2026 season by selecting his contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday. The move officially adds the outfielder to the major league roster, marking his return to the big club after a stint in the minors. Grichuk, who spent the spring training as a non-roster invitee, will primarily serve as a reserve player but is expected to contribute in limited appearances, particularly against left-handed pitching. Grichuk’s role with the Yankees will likely involve situational matchups, given his track record as a platoon player. While he did not showcase significant offensive production during spring training, his inclusion suggests the team sees value in his ability to handle left-handed hitters. The decision aligns with the Yankees’ strategy of utilizing depth in the outfield while managing their regular-season roster. The outfielder’s path to the majors has been marked by periodic call-ups and demotions. After being traded to the Royals in 2025, Grichuk faced challenges in securing a regular spot, often sitting on the bench or appearing in limited games. His recent move to the Yankees reflects a renewed opportunity to establish himself in the lineup. Grichuk’s addition also provides flexibility for the Yankees’ coaching staff, allowing them to manage the outfield rotation without overcommitting to a full-time role. His potential contributions could be most impactful in games featuring left-handed starters, where his batting average and on-base percentage historically perform better. The Yankees’ decision to activate Grichuk underscores their focus on balancing experience with the need for depth.#new_york_yankees #randal_grichuk #triple_a_scrantonwilkes_barre #american_league #outfielder
