At the time of print, the Houston Astros currently boast a 58-30 record, the third-best mark in the majors in 2022. Houston has combined an elite pitching staff with a capable lineup and looks like a legitimate contender to advance to the World Series.

However, that doesn't mean that the club is without its weaknesses. With the August 2 MLB trade deadline around the corner, Houston is presented with the perfect chance to improve.

The catcher spot is one of the more obvious needs on the roster, though it is rare to see a team make a deal for a backstop during a season. Plus, with top catching prospect Korey Lee getting his big-league chance, it might not make sense for the club to deal for a big-name catcher, such as Willson Contreras.

If not catcher, then what should the Astros address? That's what we'll discuss here. Without further ado, here are the Astros' biggest needs ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

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Astros' 2 Biggest MLB Trade Deadline Needs

2. Infield depth

This isn't necessarily a glaring weakness on the Astros' roster. However, a simple look at Houston's depth chart will tell you that the infield could use an extra body.

Utilitymen Aledmys Diaz and Mauricio Dubon are the primary backups in the infield behind stars Jose Altuve, Jeremy Pena and Alex Bregman. Neither Diaz nor Dubon have particularly wowed with the bat, as each are batting below .250 with an OPS south of .700.

That doesn't exactly comfort Astros fans that the team is built to withstand injuries to the stars in their infield. And those injuries have happened.

Altuve has spent time on the injured list due to a strained hamstring- in addition to exiting Thursday's game after a hit by pitch against the Los Angeles Angels. Pena has dealt with a thumb injury and a concussion. Bregman, who missed time with a hand injury and a quad strain in 2021, doesn't have the best recent bill of health.

These are all things the Astros must consider at the MLB trade deadline. Adding another versatile bat who can provide some semblance of offense off the bench would be a wise investment for Houston.

1. First baseman

There's no getting around this one. This is a no-brainer and the most obvious need on the Astros. Yuli Gurriel simply hasn't been good enough, as he has posted a .666 OPS in 318 plate appearances, which is on-pace for the second-lowest mark of his career.

The 38-year-old batted .319 last year. This year? He is hitting a measly .231. None of this means the Astros should suddenly cut Gurriel, a respected member of the clubhouse. However, it might be time for the Astros' brass to gently nudge him in the direction of the bench for a more productive option.

Houston has routinely fielded top-10 offenses in terms of runs scored in each of the last several seasons. This year's team hasn't quite measured up to the offensive prowess of teams past- yet.

If the Astros have a chance to improve their offense, the most sensible way to do so is by upgrading at first base.