Instead of writing about each team individually, once a while I would like to write one of these articles in which I can discuss short headlines from the Rockets, Texans, and Astros. The individual articles for each team will still be written about once every ten days, but I want to try one of these articles to see if you guys like it.

Houston Rockets

Although there is still some discussion about the Houston Rockets trading the third overall pick in this years draft, it seems that the Rockets will most likely end up drafting another prospect. Since my last article, the Rockets number one target, Mikal Bridges, has been deemed not for sale by the Nets, and on top of that, the Nets want to pair him with another co-star. Despite this, the Rockets are still in talks about selling the pick, and there is still mixed thoughts from the fanbase about the right choice for the Rockets. If the Rockets end up keeping the pick, some names to look for include Reed Sheppard, Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle, and Zaccharie Risacher.

With the Rockets already having a core six of young players including: Tari Eason, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Cam Whitmore, it makes sense for the team to look to trade the pick. This could allow for the Rockets to get another veteran who could help the team make a playoff push. If the Rockets decide not to trade the pick, the team could go an alternate route of continuing to develop the young core while also competing for the playoffs such as this season. With the draft coming up quick (June 26-27), the Rockets will need to make decisions soon about their future.

Houston Texans

With the Houston Texans minicamps and OTAs coming to a close, new and existing information about specific players have been analyzed. For example, former second round pick John Metchie looked more explosive and agile in his reps against live defense. After a recovery season last year, Metchie could help improve the already stacked receiver core the Texans have. C.J. Stroud looks like a machine, throwing dime after dime to his receivers while also being the poised, calm quarterback we saw in his rookie season.

Looking at the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair looks like an important part towards the Texans’ defensive leadership. After losing Blake Cashman to the Minnesota Vikings, the Texans needed a new leader on the field to organize the defense, and Al-Shaair does that perfectly. He provides the communication and intellect that the Texans need to take their defense to their next level. With his former ties to head coach Demeco Ryans in San Francisco, the integration of Al-Shaair into the Texans defense will be smooth due to his experience with Ryans as his defensive coach. The last standout I would like to mention is Kamari Lassiter, the second round pick for the Texans in this years draft. Lassiter has locked down Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins, showing great potential in guarding a teams number two receiver.

The implementation of Lassiter as CB2 will allow for a one-two punch of Lassiter with Derek Stingley Jr., the Texans’ CB1. With Lassiter and Stingley together, the Texans will have a deadly secondary that could allow for creative defensive sets from Demeco Ryans. The next step for the Texans is training camp, which will take place late July until August, when the pre-season begins.

Houston Astros

While writing this article, the Astros have just released first baseman Jose Abreu, who has been struggling throughout his stint with the Astros. The Astros will have to pay Abreu the remaining $30 million from his contract they signed before the 2023 season began. This gives the Astros another open roster spot, and they have elected to use it on Cooper Hummel from their AAA affiliation.

With Abreu gone, Jon Singleton looks to be in slate for the Astros everyday first baseman unless the Astros try to trade for someone new at the trade deadline (July 30). One name to look out for is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays, who has been in trade rumors over the past couple of seasons. Until the deadline, the Astros will most likely have Singleton start unless a trade is made before then. Singleton this year is slashing .213/.316/.333 with a .649 OPS. He hasn’t been a bad hitter this season, but if the Astros want to be contenders in the playoffs this year, they may want to look into a different first baseman. After losing yesterday 13-5 against the Detroit Tigers at home, the Astros are looking towards bouncing back and winning the series.