It didn't seem like this would be the case a couple of months ago, but the Houston Astros now find themselves in the familiar territory of looking around at potential acquirable assets before the trade deadline.

Rays Make Trade With Astros After Shane McClanahan News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Houston Astros enter Friday atop the American League West standings. Owning a 4.5 game lead over the second place Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels, the Astros look primed for another postseason appearance.

According to an article from Dylan Sanders of Sports Illustrated, the Astros are predicted to trade for Diamondbacks All-Star starter Zac Gallen. "He's been a consistent NL Cy Young candidate over the last couple of years," Sanders writes. "But a step back this season could make him an affordable option."

The Houston Astros are in the market for a starting pitcher at the trade deadline, but it won't be for this Miami Marlins struggling ace.

With little cap space and an absence of touted prospects to deal, the trade deadline could be a challenge for Houston.

Back in 2018 and 2019, Whitley was the Astros' top prospect and was ranked inside the top ten overall. In 2022, Whitley dropped to fifth within the Astros organization, and in 2023, Whitley dropped out of the top 20 prospects in Houston.

The Houston Astros have rounded into one of the best teams in all of baseball over the past month, and they've done so with a roster that looks very different t

The Houston Astros lead their division, but have problems in their rotation. Joe Espada could use the opening to give one prospect a shot.