Inbox: What will Astros do before Deadline?

HOUSTON — With the non-waiver Trade Deadline arriving Monday afternoon at 3 CT and the surging Astros searching for help, we’ll take shot at answering some of the readers’ biggest trade questions submitted recently through Twitter.

@brianmctaggart What is the most likely to happen, Astros get a SP or OF? Who? #AskTags

— Chris Adkins (@chrisladkins) July 28, 2016

@brianmctaggart What is the most likely to happen, Astros get a SP or OF? Who? #AskTags

Between those two options, I’d say it’s starting pitching. I really don’t see them trading for an outfielder considering there’s already somewhat of a logjam there — and that’s before Yulieski Gurriel arrives. Alex Bregman, MLBPipeline.com’s No. 1-ranked prospect, is also expected to get some time in the outfield, so it’s getting crowded. The Astros would like to add a starting pitcher, but at what price? Any starter who might be a significant upgrade over what they have now might not be worth the prospects they’d have to give up to get him.

#AskTags what relief LHP do you see Astros targeting and how much would he cost? How about Cervenka for Fields and Kemp?

— Larry Paul (@lepaultx) July 28, 2016 I think left-handed relief help is their most likely trade target at this point. Manager A.J. Hinch would prefer to have two relievers down the stretch, and Tony Sipp — the only lefty currently in the bullpen — hasn’t been as effective as he was last season. If you’re looking for a name? Keep an eye on Will Smith of the Brewers. Of course, any trade with them would be challenging, because Milwaukee general manager David Stearns — who cut his teeth with the Astros — knows Houston’s system so well.

#AskTags what relief LHP do you see Astros targeting and how much would he cost? How about Cervenka for Fields and Kemp?

• Submit a question to the Astros Inbox

Who would you rather …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com