Two of the biggest names on the Houston Astros roster that will draw the most interest from other teams may be players the fans would rather see in a home-team jersey for years to come.
But that may not happen.
Astros future stars, at least players who have the potential to become ironed into that category, include catcher Yainer Díaz and outfielder Corey Julks -- just to name two of many.
Yes, its only June -- but the MLB trade deadline quickly looms.
And with that deadline, along with a major sense of urgency as the Astros sit six games behind the first-place Texas Rangers in the American League West, comes the biggest question of all: who will be traded away, and what will the Astros get in return, when Houston pulls the trigger at zero hour?
Hopefully, Astros general manager James Click and skipper Dusty Baker won't sell the future for a win-now player, but based on what Houston has done in the past there's a highly likely chance that will happen.
Díaz has proven he belongs in the Majors, both offensively and defensively, so optimistically the Houston brass will offer catcher prospects in the farm system over a proven backstop.
But who knows with this management team.
Julks, in addition to Díaz, has shown he can be a MLB starter -- but once again, lack of playing time has prevented him from becoming an everyday player.
Both Díaz and Julks will certainly draw trade interest as Houston aims to garner at least another bat with the All-Star break looming around the corner.
Will the Astros trade a future star for a win-now player?
Based solely on Houston's past trade deadline triggers, it wouldn't be shocking whatsoever.
For now, it's wait and see...
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