Houston Astros Could Be Showing Strong Trade Interest in Cubs Star

The Houston Astros are going to be clear buyers ahead of the trade deadline on August 1st. They've been vocal about the pitching upgrades that they're looking for, but with this being general manager Dana Brown's first deadline to navigate, there are no tendencies to see how he'll operate.

They were dealt their first blow when one of their top targets was dealt to NL West divisional opponent Los Angeles Angels.

The Astros will have to look elsewhere to acquire the starting pitching that they desperately want. They've been linked to the St. Louis Cardinals' ace and the Detroit Tigers' All-Star.

However, The Athletic recently put together a piece with their predictions on what could happen before the deadline.

Grant Brisbee of The Athletic wrote he thinks the front office will also look to upgrade their offensive lineup. He has Houston being aggressive and acquiring former National League MVP Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs.

It's been a lackluster offensive season for the Astros. With only 484 runs scored through Friday, they're third in their division for runs scored this year. Their run differential is +49, despite have the fifth best ERA in baseball.

Bellinger would certainly provide offense with Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve returning to the lineup from their injuries.

He would have the highest batting average and second highest on-base and slugging percentage among qualified players immediately.

The Cubs slugger is also a plus-defender at multiple positions across the outfield and first base, so he provides defensive flexibility in addition to a hot bat.

While pitching seems to be a clear target of Houston, they could also look to improve their offense before the trade deadline as well.

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