The Houston Astros crossed off nearly every need on their 2025 deadline shopping list, coming up short in just one area: adding a starting pitcher. However, it wasn't for lack of trying. Houston went hard after Padres starter Dylan Cease, but came up empty.
Now, a new report from an MLB insider sheds some light on exactly why the Astros weren't able to close a deal that at some points on deadline day looked like a foregone conclusion. John Heyman of the New York Post wrote that San Diego was seeking controllable starting pitchers in return for the ace, and that desire ramped up in the aftermath of their trade for catcher Freddy Fermin, which saw pitchers Ryan Berget and Stephen Kolek shipped out to the Kansas City Royals.