Latest Astros Trade Deadline Rumors; Mets Expected to Keep Pete Alonso

With the MLB Trade Deadline just a week away, there are rumors swirling around what the Houston Astros could do. GM Dana Brown has said in recent weeks that they are always looking at pitching, and could also look to add another bat as well.

Obviously first base is a position of need for Houston, with Jon Singleton playing the majority of games at that spot. With Pete Alonso an impending free agent with the Mets, there was some thought that it wouldn't take much to acquire him as a half year rental. However, with the Mets firmly still in the NL Wild Card hunt, both Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal report it is unlikely the Mets would trade him away.

Here is the latest buzz surrounding names the Astros could be eyeing:

Isaac Paredes, Rays 3B: Jon Heyman mentioned Paredes as a possibility for Houston, with the idea they could play him at first base. Paredes has played several games at first this season, and in 95 games this season is batting .252 with 16 HRs and 51 RBI.

Jack Flaherty, Tigers P: Flaherty was traded last year at the deadline to Baltimore, but went 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA down the stretch with them. He took a one-year deal with Detroit this offseason, and has been solid, going 7-5 with a 3.13 ERA. Reports say the Tigers are willing to shop him, and the Astros could potentially add him without breaking the bank.

Tyler Anderson, Angels P: One of the best turnaround seasons this year in MLB, Anderson has a 2.91 ERA with 89 strikeouts this season. The 34-year old just threw 8 shutout innings vs the Cubs up at Wrigley Field two weeks ago, and is expected to draw a ton of interest.

Names that are a bit of a longshot:

Vlad Guerrero Jr, Blue Jays 1B: A power slugger with another year remaining of arbitration, reports say the Blue Jays are not interested in moving him unless they are "overwhelmed" by an offer. Guerrero would be a stud in Houston's lineup, as he's batting .292 this year with 16 HRs and 59 RBI. If you're Dana Brown, would you give up a package of OF Joey Loperfido, OF Jacob Melton, P AJ Blubaugh and P Colton Gordon for Vlad? That's a huge haul to give up, but that's the type of deal it would take to pull Vlad out of Toronto.

Garrett Crochet, White Sox P : The AL All-Star will command a massive haul, one that may price out the Astros when it comes to prospects. Crochet is 6-6 with a 3.02 ERA and 150 strikeouts. Expect the Astros to call on him, but expect them to be outbid by several teams.

Tanner Scott, Marlins Reliever: The lefty reliever has a 1.27 ERA and 16 saves in 41 appearances this season. He has been dominant, and the asking price will be very high, one the Astros won't be able to meet.