Astros Have Reported Interest in Pair of Chicago Cubs Stars

The Chicago Cubs aren't sure if they're buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, but the Houston Astros could be a potential partner.

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros reportedly have an interest in a pair of Chicago Cubs players if the Cubs decide to become sellers at the Aug. 1 trade deadline.

Per USA Today, the Astros have reached out to the Cubs about pitcher Marcus Stroman and outfielder Cody Bellinger, two of the biggest trade targets on the market.

The Cubs have made it clear they’re not ready to sell yet. While under .500, they are the only NL Central team with a positive run differential. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said on Friday that he’s not sure which direction the team will go and the next two weeks will make that determination.

Stroman told reporters on Saturday and both he and Bellinger want to stay in Chicago. But, he knows that is out of his control, as the Cubs are not interested in signing Stroman to a contract extension, and Stroman is widely believed to be ready to explore free agency this offseason, despite a $21 million player option on his contract.

Meanwhile, Bellinger has a mutual option on his contract for next season worth $24 million.

The Astros have clear needs in both areas. Their starting rotation is injury-ravaged. Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are out for the season. José Urquidy is on a rehab assignment and Framber Valdez left Saturday’s game with tightness in his calf.

Stroman would fit in well with the Astros. He is 10-6 with a 2.88 ERA, 101 strikeouts and a 1.09 WHIP. He’s a big reason why the Cubs are still considering buying at the trade deadline.

As for Bellinger, he would be a flexible fit for the Astros in the outfield, first base and at designated hitter. The Astros are without All-Star outfielder Yordan Alvarez, though he should be starting a rehab assignment soon.

After hitting a grand slam for the Cubs on Saturday, he’s batting .301 with 12 home runs and 35 RBI.

The Cubs have to figure out where they’re at on the trade deadline first. But, once they do, the Astros may only be a phone call away.

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