As the Major League Baseball trade deadline nears, the Houston Astros are examining options to reinforce their starting rotation, which currently features Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez as primary arms. Focused on improving depth ahead of the postseason, the Astros are searching for a reliable innings eater, with Andrew Heaney emerging as a potential trade target to provide veteran stability without pursuing high-profile pitchers like Sandy Alcántara.
Andrew Heaney’s Role as a Durable Workhorse on the Mound
Bleacher Report’s Tyler Ward recently highlighted Andrew Heaney, pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates, as a candidate for teams needing dependable innings consumption. Though Heaney’s record this season sits at 4-8 with a 4.59 ERA, he remains a valuable asset in terms of workload, ranking third on the Pirates with 98 innings pitched behind Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller.
He’s not a guy that’s necessarily going to light up the lamp and dominate you every single time out there, but he is more of a true innings-eater,
Ward remarked. —Tyler Ward, Bleacher Report
This ability to consistently pitch deep into games makes Heaney attractive for teams like the Astros aiming to conserve bullpen resources. Additionally, he offers flexibility to contribute in shorter appearances if placed in a favorable setting that plays to his strengths.
How the Astros Have Benefited From Similar Midseason Acquisitions
Ward also compared Heaney’s potential impact in Houston to the Astros’ previous successful trade for left-hander Yusei Kikuchi last season. Kikuchi, after arriving midyear, made ten starts with a 5-1 record and a strong 2.70 ERA, boosting the Astros’ rotation significantly.
I think if there’s one team that could utilize a new lefty—and this year’s version of Yusei Kikuchi—step on down and meet Mr. Andrew Heaney,
Ward suggested.
He checks off the boxes.
—Tyler Ward, Bleacher Report
The Astros have prior familiarity with Heaney from his past tenures with the Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers, giving them insight into his pitching style and potential contributions.
Other Teams Interested and Trade Outlook
Besides Houston, the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees have been identified as possible suitors for Heaney, who is 34 years old. The Astros’ decision to pursue Heaney depends largely on whether they believe his skill set fits their roster construction and can enhance their playoff rotation depth, especially under their organization’s strong pitching development system.
Significance of Adding an Innings-Eating Veteran for Houston’s Postseason Goals
Securing Andrew Heaney would provide the Astros with a dependable arm able to absorb many innings, reducing strain on the bullpen during the critical stretch of the season. His experience and adaptability could be key in preserving the health and effectiveness of Houston’s core starters, supporting their pursuit of a deep playoff run. The team’s evaluation of Heaney reflects a thoughtful approach to balancing immediate needs with long-term pitching reliability.