RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 2 sourcesAstros' reported attempt for Tarik Skubal trade hints at deadline plans originally appeared on The Sporting News .
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Houston Astros are going to be active buyers at this year's trade deadline. After initially looking like a seller with a terrible start to the season, they've righted the ship and now lead the AL West.
So, as buyers, what are the Astros looking to add? Well, USA Today's Bob Nightengale is reporting that the Astros actually were in pursuit of Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal before the Los Angeles Dodgers won the bidding war for him.
That report from Nightengale likely hints at the Astros' plan at this year's deadline: acquire a high-end starting pitcher, alongside their previously reported interest in a lefty-hitting outfielder.
Astros trade interest in Tarik Skubal hints at deadline plans
"The Houston Astros jumped into the sweepstakes for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, but realistically, would be pleased to acquire Robbie Ray of the San Francisco Giants ," Nightengale writes.
This report from Nightengale shouldn't come as a huge surprise, as any contender with a need in their starting rotation should've at least checked in about what it would cost to land Skubal.
He wound up going to the Dodgers in a blockbuster trade, but now, the Astros can focus on more realistic options at this year's deadline.
Casey Mize of the Tigers would make a ton of sense, as would Robbie Ray of the San Francisco Giants. Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes of the New York Mets are worth considering for the Astros as well.
MORE : Astros among teams calling Giants about Logan Webb ’ s trade availability
While the Seattle Mariners are open to dealing Emerson Hancock and George Kirby, and the Los Angeles Angels are open to moving Reid Detmers and Jose Soriano, the intra-division nature of those four targets will make a trade a bit difficult to come by.
Fortunately, there's an abundance of good starting pitcher trade targets this season for the Astros to consider. And with their reported effort for Skubal hinting at significant interest, one of the top starters landing in Houston would not be a surprise.
At this rate, with how well the Astros have played, it might not be a matter of if the Astros will trade for a starting pitcher, but rather who the Astros will wind up acquiring by Monday, August 3 MLB trade deadline.
More MLB news:
Mets have no plan to offer contract extension to Freddy Peralta amid trade rumors
Phillies intrigued by Blue Jays trade idea for Jeff Hoffman and Daulton Varsho
Yankees linked to Padres for potential rotation for bullpen swap
Diamondbacks linked to Nationals ’ Luis Garcia Jr. as perfect trade fit
Red Sox predicted to trade for Tigers ’ Gleyber Torres at deadline
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.