The Houston Astros are shopping for an impact starting pitcher, a search which has brought Houston to the doorstep of the Chicago Cubs.
The Astros have witnessed their pitching staff become decimated by injuries this season, and miraculously have a one-game lead in the American League West entering Friday.
Houston believes that if it can add a quality starter to its rotation before the deadline, a playoff run is possible.
On Thursday, The Athletic MLB Staff reported that the Astros are on the phone with the Cubs about stud starter Jameson Taillon.
"With an undermanned rotation in a winnable division, the Houston Astros are among the teams that have expressed interest in Chicago Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline," The Athletic MLB Staff said.
"Taillon has thrown at least 140 innings in each of the past three seasons and typifies the sort of pitcher Houston is seeking at the deadline. ... Finding a veteran to ... expand the Astros’ rotation to six is the goal."
Houston faces mainly salary complications in its attempts to acquire Taillon, whose $68 million contract expires in 2026. The Astros are reportedly looking to offload Rafael Montero's monstrous contract to make room for Taillon (or presumably another deadline target).
It seems like Houston has not been counted out of an American League pennant in recent memory, and adding Taillon would only reinforce this tradition.
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