The Houston Astros find themselves in a tough spot this 2026 season, sitting at a 20-31 record. It’s certainly not where they envisioned themselves as they kicked off the year with playoff aspirations.

Now, as the MLB trade deadline looms, the Astros might consider a strategic sell-off. While it may seem like a disappointing twist for the season, it might not be as bleak as it appears.

Drawing inspiration from ESPN’s David Schoenfield, the Astros could take a page from the 2021 Chicago Cubs’ playbook. The Cubs executed a well-planned sell-off that allowed them to part with key players while still retaining a core for future success. It’s a blueprint that could serve the Astros well if they choose to pivot in this direction.

In 2021, the Cubs weren’t shy about trading away cornerstone players like Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, Joc Pederson, and Kris Bryant. However, they astutely held onto Ian Happ and Willson Contreras, who continued to be vital contributors. The trades also brought in promising talent like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Daniel Palencia, setting a foundation for the future.

For the Astros, they have several players who could be attractive trade assets this season. Christian Walker, Isaac Paredes, Josh Hader, and Jeremy Pena stand out as candidates for potential deals. Each of these players is under club control beyond 2026, which could enable the Astros to secure even better returns than the Cubs did, given their players were nearing the end of their contracts.

As the deadline approaches, the Astros might lean towards being sellers. But rather than a complete overhaul, they could focus on retaining key figures like Yordan Alvarez and Hunter Brown. This approach would allow them to rebuild while keeping a solid core intact.

By following the 2021 Cubs’ strategy, the Astros have the opportunity to offload some talent for strong returns while maintaining a competitive edge with players like Alvarez and Brown anchoring their future. It’s a plan that offers a balance between immediate adjustments and long-term vision, potentially steering the Astros back toward contention.