League: MLB Sport: Baseball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Astros make key trades to bolster bullpen at 2021 deadline

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 26, 2026, 8:24 PM

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

Astros make key trades to bolster bullpen at 2021 deadline

Summary

On July 27, 2021, Astros GM James Click faced pressure to improve a shaky bullpen as the team sought a World Series run. Following a loss to Seattle after blowing a 6-0 lead, Click executed trades to acquire Kendall Graveman, Rafael Montero, Yimi Garcia, and others. These moves were aimed not only for immediate improvement but also for future contention. The Astros' bullpen finished the season with a 4.15 ERA and later performed effectively in the postseason, contributing to the team's competitive edge in subsequent years.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Market Watch

•Astros were 61-40 before trade deadline.
•Key trades included Graveman and Montero from Seattle.
•Graveman posted a strong 3.13 ERA post-trade.
•Maton and Diaz bolstered the roster in future seasons.
•Bullpen combined for a 2.39 ERA in playoffs.

Latest Updates

8:24 PMYahoo Sports — A look back at James Click’s 2021 trade deadline

What they're saying

"
James Click awoke on July 27, 2021, with a serious problem on his hands. The Astros were 61-40, one game behind the Red Sox for the American League’s best record. They had the league’s best offense and the American League’s best rotation. The bullpen, however, could best be described as shaky. The night before, Click […]
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Boston Red Sox Chicago White Sox Houston Astros MLB Baseball