Astros Trade Rumors: Trevor Bauer Deal with Indians Discussed; HOU Seeking SP

The Houston Astros are keeping a close eye on the pitching market ahead of Wednesday's trade deadline, and Cleveland Indians right-hander Trevor Bauer is reportedly on their radar.   

Per MLB.com's Jon Morosi, the two teams have engaged in "recent communication" about Bauer, but it's unclear how much progress they have made. 

Morosi added the Astros are "pursuing multiple starting pitchers, with hopes of landing one." Meanwhile, the belief is that the Indians are "more likely than not" to trade Bauer, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The Cincinnati Reds have discussed a possible trade for Bauer involving highly touted prospect Taylor Trammell, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported. 

Bauer and the Astros would certainly make an interesting pairing because of his feud with Alex Bregman, which started when the Indians star implied Houston's pitching staff was using foreign substances to increase spin rate on their pitches:

Houston is exploring the market for seemingly every available starter to fill out its rotation down the stretch. Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown reported Tuesday the two-time defending American League West champs were talking to the San Francisco Giants about Madison Bumgarner. 

The Indians' surge up the standings could make a Bauer deal more difficult. Per MLB Network's Jon Heyman, their ownership is "reluctant" to deal the 2018 All-Star given their current placement as the top AL wild card team positioned just two games behind the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central. 

The Astros are essentially down to three established starters with Brad Peacock on the injured list and Collin McHugh pitching out of the bullpen. Rookie Jose Urquidy has been effective with a 4.26 ERA in four starts, but his lack of MLB track record could give a team with World Series aspirations pause about using him in a potential playoff series. 

Bauer hasn't been as effective this season after finishing sixth in AL Cy Young voting last year. The 28-year-old is still having a solid campaign with a 3.79 ERA and 185 strikeouts in 156.2 innings.