What happened: A Sports Illustrated report names the Houston Astros as the team most likely to shake up the MLB trade deadline. The framing centers on Houston's standing and the question of whether the front office leans toward buying or selling as the deadline approaches.

Why it matters: At 35-41 this season, the Astros sit below .500, which fuels speculation about their direction. The same Astros had already been sized up as a potential deadline seller, and continued underperformance would intensify pressure on the roster's core.

What to watch: Watch Houston's results over the coming weeks, with the front office's buy-or-sell decision likely to crystallize as the deadline nears.