Inside the Astros

Houston Astros Could Be Showing Trade Interest in Cardinals Ace

The Houston Astros could add the starting pitching they are looking for at the MLB trade deadline by trading for St. Louis Cardinals ace.

Brad Wakai

Houston Astros Could Be Showing Trade Interest in Cardinals Ace
Houston Astros Could Be Showing Trade Interest in Cardinals Ace /
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The Houston Astros went into their home series with the Texas Rangers on Monday with the opportunity to be tied for the AL Central lead. After winning the first two games, they got obliterated in the final game with ace Framber Valdez on the mound.

Now trailing the Rangers by two games, it's even more clear what the Astros need to acquire before the trade deadline.

Many starting pitchers on the market have been linked to Houston after GM Dana Brown came out and said that's the biggest position they need to upgrade.

With the St. Louis Cardinals in full sell mode, the Astros have been linked to their lefty ace Jordan Montgomery.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers recently wrote that Montgomery is "as good as gone" when the August 1st deadline hits.

Assuming San Diego Padres pitcher Blake Snell is not on the market, the Cardinals' ace will be the best lefty available.

In 20 starts, he has a 6-8 record, but a 3.37 ERA.

Montgomery also has experience coming out of the bullpen, which could help Houston's rotation in the playoffs.

According to ClutchPoints, St. Louis is looking for controllable pitching and prospects in return for their lefty starter. They view him as their best available trade piece ahead of the deadline and want to get a good return.

Astros GM Brown has previously said he would like to use his current major league players to acquire pitching at the deadline. The main assets they have are outfielders, which is an issue because the Cardinals also have a log jam of their own in the outfield.

If Houston is serios about getting the starting pitching they want before the deadline, they may have to deal some of their prospects to get it done.

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Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently covers the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros for Sports Illustrated/FanNation. He is also the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai

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