Forget Skubal — the Astros need to fix their bullpen before anything else originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Every contender with a rotation need has circled Tarik Skubal's name, and the Houston Astros are no different. However, Houston's most urgent problem right now is a volatile bullpen. While rumors are making rounds about the Detroit Tigers' ace, adding a frontline starter won't save a team whose relief unit frequently leaks runs in the late innings.
Though elite closer Josh Hader recently returned from a two-month injured list stint for biceps tendinitis, the rest of the unit remains shaky. Bryan Abreu, who handled closing duties early in the year, struggled immensely and still carries a 6.66 ERA.
Outside of Hader, the team has relied almost entirely on Bryan King to protect leads. King has been excellent, posting a 2.37 ERA across 28 appearances, but leaning on just one stable setup option in a 13-man bullpen is a dangerous formula for October baseball.
The Tigers' two-time AL Cy Young winner is heading for free agency after the 2026 season. According to ESPN, a trade is now widely considered likely.