Astros still trying for Kyle Stowers hours before trade deadline

[Ely Sussman]

Although the Miami Marlins are "not especially motivated to move him," they continue to listen on 2025 All-Star Kyle Stowers as of early Monday afternoon, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. The Houston Astros remain the only specific suitor who's been identified. 

Stowers' overall slash line of .234/.319/.459 in 2026 is almost precisely in line with his career average, though he has gradually improved at the plate as this year has progressed. He has extreme platoon splits with 15 home runs and a 130 wRC+ against right-handed pitching compared to only one homer and a 39 wRC+ against lefties. Exclusively an outfielder during his first two seasons with the Marlins organization, he has gradually become their everyday first baseman this summer. 

The AL West-leading Astros, who have Christian Walker installed at first base, would presumably utilize Stowers in the corner outfield spots if they acquired him.

The Marlins have a surplus of left-handed bats for the foreseeable future, especially when accounting for outfield prospects Cam Cannarella and Brandon Compton who've been dominating the upper minors. However, none of them have a major league season on their résumé that measures up to what Stowers did last season (4.0 fWAR in 117 G). Also, the 28-year-old is under club control through 2029, giving the Marlins plenty of leverage in negotiations.

Both of these teams are playing high-quality ball as of late, combining to go 12-1 in their games last week.

I'd be shocked if Stowers gets dealt today, but stay tuned...

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[One Regend]

If Stowers gets traded, that makes room for Kemp Alderman. Though, ideally, a move like that would best be done in the offseason not to disrupt team chemistry. Losing Liam Hicks already hurts our offense, who needs any extra runs they could muster. It's best they don't exasperate this issue any further by also trading Stowers. I'm not even going to go over the what-ifs of mid-season injuries. Cam Cannarella is good, but we shouldn't rush him to the majors this year to patch together our already shaky offense.