The Houston Astros find themselves in a bit of a bind this season, sitting with a record of 26-32. As the trade deadline looms in August, the Astros might find themselves in the unfamiliar position of being sellers.

This scenario naturally leads to speculation about which players might be on the move. While Yordan Alvarez is likely to pique interest, Houston seems keen on holding onto him.

However, the same can’t be said for a few others on the roster.

One name that stands out as a potential trade candidate is 32-year-old closer Josh Hader. According to MLB insider Robert Murray, Hader’s hefty five-year, $95 million contract could make him a prime candidate for a deal, provided he’s healthy.

Hader’s been sidelined with a biceps injury, which has kept him out since last season, but he’s on the mend and expected to return to action before the trade deadline hits. His contract, which runs through 2028, is quite substantial for a reliever.

This means the Astros might need to absorb part of it to entice potential buyers. Nonetheless, given the demand for quality bullpen arms, Hader could be a hot commodity.

Despite the high price tag, trading Hader could be a strategic move for the Astros. His career stats are impressive, boasting a 2.64 ERA over 468 games and 227 saves, not to mention his five All-Star appearances.

Last season alone, he posted a 2.05 ERA across 48 appearances. Such numbers make him a desirable asset for any team looking to bolster their bullpen.

While the logistics of moving such a high-profile closer might be complex, the possibility of Hader being traded is very much on the table. For the Astros, navigating this potential trade could be key to shaping their future, especially if they decide to pivot towards a rebuild or retooling phase. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Houston to see if they decide to part ways with their veteran closer.