Madison Bumgarner Trade Rumors: Astros, Giants 'Engaged' on SP Ahead of Deadline

The Houston Astros are reportedly making a late push to acquire starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner from the San Francisco Giants.

Per Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown, the Astros and Giants are "engaged" in talks for the four-time All-Star, but it's unclear how much traction there is to get a deal done.

San Francisco bottomed out June 29 with a 4-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks that dropped its record to 35-47. The team has since won 19 of 24 games to get two games over .500.

The Giants' resurgence has put them in a difficult position leading up to Wednesday's trade deadline. They are 2.5 games out of the second National League wild-card position with a 54-52 record.

The front office is trying to figure out the team's best approach this trade season. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported last week the Giants were plotting to become buyers and keep Bumgarner for the rest of this season. He confirmed as much again on Tuesday: 

Per ESPN's Buster Olney, the Giants were "cultivating conversation" around Bumgarner and other pitchers on their roster if they decide to sell.

The Astros have had issues with depth in their starting rotation. Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole are a terrific duo, and Wade Miley has been effective with a 3.06 ERA in 126.2 innings. However, Brad Peacock is on the injured list, and the Astros moved Collin McHugh moved to the bullpen in May after he posted a 6.37 ERA in eight starts.

Bumgarner, who is in the final year of his contract, has a 3.74 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 139.2 innings.