Five trade deadline targets for Houston Astros to replace injured Yordan Alvarez, including Alex Bregman reunion

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, who has been out for the last two months with a broken right hand, has experienced a setback in his recovery. The three-time All-Star slugger felt pain in his hand a day after a workout and will see a specialist. It’s uncertain when he will return.

With the Astros in first place and eyeing the postseason, they will need to replace Alvarez’s production in the lineup if he’s unable to return in the foreseeable future. Here are five players Houston should target at the trade deadline to be their new designated hitter.

Ryan O’Hearn: Baltimore Orioles

Five trade deadline targets for Houston Astros to replace injured Yordan Alvarez, including Alex Bregman reunion — Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Baltimore Orioles’ Ryan O’Hearn is having the best season of his career as he approaches free agency. The 31-year-old first baseman and right fielder is hitting .295, with an .854 OPS, 145 OPS+ and 11 home runs in 72 games. The Orioles will be sellers and O’Hearn could be had for a mid-level prospect. The Astros should jump at the chance to add his bat.

Marcell Ozuna: Atlanta Braves

Marcell Ozuna is having a down year at the plate for the disappointing Atlanta Braves but he remains a home-run threat every time he steps up. He hit 79 homers in 2023 and 2024 combined, slugging .552 with a .915 OPS and 147 OPS+, but only has 11 blasts in 2025, slugging .392 with a .761 OPS. However, Daikin Park’s left field is only 315 feet down the line, which would be very inviting for a right-handed power hitter like Ozuna.

Eugenio Suarez: Arizona Diamondbacks

Another right-handed slugger who could take advantage of Houston’s left field dimensions is Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez. He’s already up to 26 home runs on the season, with an .888 OPS and 142 OPS+. He’s a free agent at the end of the year and with top prospect Jordan Lawlar waiting in the wings, Suarez most likely won’t be back in Arizona. They’re also mired in fourth place so don’t be surprised to see Suarez on the move with Houston as his new home.

Josh Naylor: Arizona Diamondbacks

Another Diamondbacks bat that will be on the trade block is first baseman Josh Naylor. Also a free agent at the end of the season, Naylor is hitting .304 with 10 home runs, an .834 OPS and 131 OPS+. He’s coming off a 31-homer season and would be a viable replacement for Alvarez in the DH spot.

Alex Bregman: Boston Red Sox

Astros fans would be elated if Alex Bregman ended up back in Houston. The Astros let Bregman walk in free agency to the Red Sox and he signed a three-year, $120 million contract with opt-outs. With Boston fading, Bregman — who is currently on the injured list with a strained quad and expected back after the All-Star break– will be a hot commodity at the trade deadline. Will the Astros come calling to bring Bregman back home? Before he went down, he was having one of his best offensive seasons, slashing .299/.385/.553, with 11 home runs and a 159 OPS+. Bregman could slide back in at third while moving Isaac Paredes to DH.