The Houston Astros are in need of starting pitching.
That much is clear following the loss of Luis Garcia for the season, an injury to Jose Urquidy and a recent setback for Lance McCullers Jr.
One place they could and likely will turn to is the trade market.
One name that has recently popped up in connection to the Astros is Chicago Cubs ace Marcus Stroman.
Inside the Cubs lists Houston as a potential landing spot for Stroman if the Cubs do decide to sell. If Chicago goes that route, Stroman, who is seen as a rental, would hold some of the most value.
Stroman owns a 2.59 ERA with a miniscule 0.986 WHIP through 73.0 innings pitched. Of his 12 outings this season, 10 have been quality starts, one of which was a one-hit, complete game shutout.
The ace is among the National League leaders in ERA as well.
The Astros should explore the possibility of adding a pitcher of his caliber to their rotation.
While he would be among the most expensive in terms of prospect capital, Houston can't afford to not upgrade their rotation heading into the stretch and ultimately the postseason. Especially if another World Series is their goal.
All eyes will be on the Astros front office as general manager Dana Brown has already promised to be "aggressive" at the MLB trade deadline.
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