Another Insider Links Houston Astros to Elite Reliever in Free Agency

When discussing the Houston Astros and their ability to add pieces this offseason, much of the discussion sounds like a broken record.

They don't want to spend, they don't want to trade, they want to build their farm system and they also have a roster that can win another World Series.

This is all known.

That's why it was telling when the Astros were linked to flame-throwing reliever, Jordan Hicks, by Jon Morosi earlier in the week.

Sure, that would be great and they'd definitely be interested in adding a bullpen piece after three of theirs departed, but what are the odds they would actually spend to acquire one of the top arms on the market?

One report like Morosi's was intriguing, but when Jon Heyman of The New York Post also mentioned Houston as a possibility, that makes things much more promising.

"Jordan Hicks’ market is heating up. The Phillies, Cubs, Rangers, Astros and Yankees all could make sense," he wrote.

It should be pointed out that Heyman isn't explicitly saying the Astros are fully pursuing the elite reliever or that they offered a contract and are deep in talks.

But, this is the second reporter who has mentioned the two parties in a possible connection, something that seemingly wouldn't happen if there wasn't some thought interest was being shown.

Everyone knows the situation Houston is in this offseason.

GM Dana Brown said they'd be willing to spend for the right players. Maybe they view the hard-throwing Hicks as that type of pitcher they'd open up their checkbooks for this winter.

Either way, it seems like this is a situation to monitor as the offseason continues to roll on.