Houston Astros Fans Watch as Phillies Eye Trade for Ex-Astros Outfielder

The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly exploring a trade for Tampa Bay Rays outfielder José Siri, a former Houston Astros player and 2022 World Series champion. As the Phillies look to replace defensive specialist Harrison Bader, league insiders say Siri has surfaced as a potential target due to his speed, elite defense, and affordable contract.

Siri, who spent his early MLB years with the Astros before being traded in 2022, has become one of the league’s top defensive center fielders. His name entering the trade market adds another layer to an already active offseason, one that Houston Astros fans are watching closely from Houston.

Phillies Searching for a Defensive Upgrade

The Phillies need a replacement for Bader, who departed in free agency after a brief stint in Philadelphia. Siri fits their profile: he covers significant ground in center, hits for power, and remains under team control. Although his strikeout rate is high, the Phillies appear willing to live with that tradeoff in exchange for premium defense.

Philadelphia’s interest signals a rising demand for defensive outfielders across the league, especially those with postseason experience. Siri’s time with Houston included key moments during the Astros’ 2021 playoff run and the early part of their 2022 championship season, adding to his appeal for contenders.

Why It Matters for the Houston Astros

This development matters for the Astros because the outfield market continues to shift while Houston explores ways to retool its roster. Although Siri is no longer in Houston, his availability could affect prices for other outfielders the Astros are monitoring.

• Teams seeking defense-first center fielders may compete for the same targets as Houston.
• If the Rays trade Siri, they may pursue affordable outfield depth — a category the Astros could also shop in.
• Siri’s trade value may influence the broader outfield market, especially for players under team control.

Houston still needs reliable outfield production behind Kyle Tucker, and the Astros must decide whether to trust internal options or add from outside the organization. Any spike in demand for capable defenders could affect those plans.

What’s Next

The Phillies’ level of interest will likely hinge on the Rays’ asking price. Tampa Bay prefers controllable arms, and many teams—including Houston—remain cautious about parting with young pitching.

If Philadelphia pushes aggressively, it may set the tone for an active market. The Astros, meanwhile, will continue weighing outfield depth, bullpen reinforcements, and budget constraints after an uneven 2024 season.

Astros fans should monitor these early moves. Even trades that do not involve Houston can shift the values and opportunities that shape the team’s offseason path.

This article is a summary of reporting by Heavy Sports. Read the full story here.