Astros Trade Rumors: Paul Goldschmidt, Madison Bumgarner, Yankees' Pitcher On Houston's Radar

After failing to successfully defend their World Series title in the 2018 MLB season, the Houston Astros are looking to make significant upgrades to their roster. The 2017 champs are reportedly interested in adding most of the top names that have been at the center of the latest trade rumors.

According to MLB.com’s Richard Justice, the Astros are very interested in acquiring Paul Goldschmidt, whom the Arizona Diamondbacks are willing to trade for the right price. Justice also named, San Francisco Giants’ starter Madison Bumgarner, New York Yankees’ pitcher Sonny Gray and Miami Marlins’ catcher J.T. Realmuto as players that Houston will be linked to this offseason.

It might take a lot to acquire Madison Bumgarner, though MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported Monday that the Giants are ready to listen to offers for their ace. The Marlins proved last year that they’ll have no problem trading one of their best players for prospects. Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has made it clear on multiple occasions that New York is actively trying to deal Gray.

Gray doesn’t have nearly the same value as the other players Houston might go after. He was pulled from the Yankees’ rotation last season and finished the year with a 4.90 ERA, though the 29-year-old does have three seasons with at least 27 starts with an ERA of 3.55 or better.

Bumgarner would boost a pitching staff that was MLB’s best last season, but Houston might have some holes to fill this offseason. Dallas Keuchel and Charlie Morton could both leave as free agents. Lance McCullers Jr. made 22 starts for the Astros in 2018, and he’ll miss the entire 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.

Goldschmidt or Realmuto would improve an offense that took a step back after winning the World Series. Houston led the majors with 896 runs and a .823 OPS in 2017. The Astros ranked sixth with 797 runs and seventh with a .754 OPS last season.

Houston has several minor-leaguers that would likely intrigue teams that are considering trading an All-Star. In the middle of last season, MLB Pipeline ranked Astros’ pitcher Forrest Whitley as the No.8 prospect in baseball. Outfielder Yordan Alvarez came in at No.42.

The Astros won a franchise-record 103 games last season. They lost to the Boston Red Sox in five games in the ALCS.