Report: Houston Astros Being "Extremely Aggressive" as Trade Deadline Approaches

The Houston Astros are being "extremely aggressive" as the trade deadline nears, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

General manager James Click has iterated the Houston Astros will be aggressive at the trade deadline numerous times in the last 30 days. Falling two games short of a second World Series title in five years last November, the Astros look to come out even stronger at this year's Aug. 2 deadline.

The Astros have been rumored in trade talks with the Washington Nationals for Josh Bell in the past week, while Jeff Passan of ESPN reported Tuesday sellers described Houston as bing "extremely aggressive."

Bell has been a top-20 hitter in Major League Baseball this season in terms of OPS (.879). But as Yuli Gurriel can't match his career-year from 2021, any available first baseman would surely be an upgrade for Houston.

Passan also added the Astros have called the Chicago Cubs regarding Willson Contreras — another rental who could bolster a lacking offensive position for Houston. But in the past month, Martín Maldonado is slashing .259/.322/.574 with seven extra-base hits in 54 at-bats.

Maldonado's leadership down plays the signal calling from Contreras, and as the Astros could use veteran depth with Jason Castro on the injured list, they continue to roll with rookie Korey Lee — who is 4-for-18 through nine games played behind Maldonado.

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

1. Andrew Benintendi Could be an Ideal Trade Target for the Astros
2. Astros Announce Signings of First- and Second-Round Picks
3. Astros' Winning Streak Snapped After A's Shell Odorizzi
4. Is Garrett Cooper the Solution at First Base for the Astros?
5. Astros' McCormick, Díaz Improving in Brantley's Absense
6. Astros Seek to End Road Swing Unblemished at Oakland
7. Astros Sweep Mariners as Altuve, Peña Launch Back-to-Back Homers
8. Astros' McCullers to Make Rehab Appearance for Triple-A Sugar Land
9. Astros Poised to Make Another World Series Run
10. Valdez Reaching New Heights with Increased Velocity

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