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The Houston Astros have been very busy the off-season, at least on the offensive side of things, adding Josh Reddick, Brian McCann, and now Carlos Beltran to provide plenty of pop from the left side of the plate.
The massive bolstering of the offense has some believing the Astros are preparing to make a run for an elite starting pitcher, such as Chris Archer or Chris Sale, at least according to Jon Heyman of Fanrag Sports.
Some believe the Astros are loading up on offense to put themselves in better position for a run at a big-time starting pitcher, and sources say the Astros are interested in Rays’ star right-hander Chris Archer as well as Chicago’s ace lefty Chris Sale.
The Astros had reportedly been in talks at the trade deadline, but ultimately a move wasn’t made between the two teams.
Source: Astros have recently scouted Rays' pitchers, appear to be possibility if one gets moved.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) August 1, 2016
The Rays should have plenty of interest in what the Astros could offer in return for one of their starters, as Houston features a strong core of young players with top prospect Alex Bregman being the most appealing.
Team are expected to start arriving to the winter meetings in D.C. tonight so the tradewinds are only going to pick up with the Rays starters being at the center of discussions.