MLB trade rumors: Each team’s best trade chip

Houston Astros: Kyle Tucker

Right now, it seems as though the Astros are an unstoppable force with no discernible needs on the trade market. They certainly do not need a hitter or a bullpen arm, but could use a rotation upgrade. While they are making a mockery of the American League right now, their rotation drops off precipitously behind Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers.

All winter, the Astros were linked to White Sox lefty Jose Quintana, and they still may make a run at him. Another name to keep an eye on is Gerrit Cole of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Astros have the talent in their farm system to make a run at either of these aces.

Houston would prefer to hold onto their top offensive prospect, Kyle Tucker, but that will be difficult to do in a trade for Quintana or Cole. Tucker, whose brother is also in the system, is the 29th-ranked prospect in all of baseball according to MLB Pipeline and was ranked 19th by Baseball America. He reached High-A in his age-19 season and is now at Double-A. When his 6-foot-4 frame fills out, Tucker could be a threat to hit 30 homers with a high average.

If the Astros are reluctant to move Tucker, they could also dangle Francis Martes, the number-three right-handed prospect, David Paulino, another top-100 righty, or Derek Fisher, an outfielder who is tearing up Triple-A with an OPS over 1.000. Regardless of which starter the Astros set their sights on, they have enough talent to get their man.