Houston Astros Linked With Two Cubs Stars in Potential Blockbuster Trade

The Houston Astros are targeting two of the biggest names on the Cubs before the trade deadline

The Houston Astros have been one of the best teams in baseball for the past decade. They have the fifth most wins over that span with 885, four 100-win seasons, five division pennants, three World Series appearances and two World Series championships.

Currently, they're in an unfamiliar position as they trail the Texas Rangers by four-and-a-half games in the AL West standings.

Injuries have prevented the Astros from living up to their potential this season as they're figuring out the timeline for their superstar outfielder Yordan Alvarez's return from injury.

Houston's front office has made it clear that they will be buyers at the upcoming trade deadline and address some of the holes on their roster.

National writer for The Athletic and former MLB executive, Jim Bowden wrote about a trade package that the Astros could go after before August 1st.

Two of the biggest names on the Chicago Cubs' roster have been floated around in trade rumors. Outfield slugger, Cody Bellinger, and starting pitcher Marcus Stroman are hot names for buying teams to go after.

Bowden thinks Houston will make an offer to acquire both players.

He wrote, "Astros GM Dana Brown has made it clear to other front offices that his team’s biggest needs are a proven starting pitcher and a left-handed-hitting first baseman/outfielder. The Cubs could have both available if they decide to sell at the deadline."

With the injury questions still swirling around Alvarez, it's clear they would like to add depth at the outfield position.

Bellinger is a plus defender in the outfield and has been hitting the ball much better this season. Coming into Thursday, the slugger is hitting .311/.367/.527 with 12 home runs and 35 RBI in 64 games with Chicago.

Both Stroman and Bellinger will likely opt into free agency after the season, so this will likely be a rental deal that could deplete the Astros' farm system.

A package with major league starter Brandon Bielak, top outfielder prospect Drew Gilbert and a couple lower-level prospects could get the deal done according to Bowden.

Expect Houston to be aggressive at the trade deadline as they feel like their championship window is still wide open.