MLB trade deadline: This Astros-Marlins deal could send Starling Marte to Houston

Could the Marlins find a trade partner for Starling Marte in the Houston Astros? In need of outfield help and hoping to make a splash, Houston might come calling.

The Astros have maintained a 3.5-game lead on the Oakland Athletics after the All-Star Break, but should they wish to make sure that challenge remains insignificant, a deal for another outfielder could be the way to go.

Marte was linked to a contract extension in Miami fairly recently, but the two sides haven’t come to an agreement, and the clock is ticking. Marte is on the final year of his deal before he hits free agency. With only a few months remaining in Miami, they’d be smart to trade him for assets while they still can.

MLB rumors: Could the Houston Astros trade for Starling Marte?

FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray lists the Astros as a potential suitor for Marte.

"“There is expected to be a strong market for Marte, with the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves likely to show interest. The Astros have received solid production from Myles Straw and Chas McCormick in center field and might prefer to upgrade their bullpen.”"

By the sound of it, the Astros aren’t willing to send too much to Miami for an aging outfielder on the outs. Still, Marte is hitting .288 with decent power and 19 stolen bases. He could be the missing piece on a championship team.

What would a trade look like?

Dubin and Dawson are both MLB-ready players in Triple-A. Dubin is the tenth-ranked prospect in the Astros system, while Dawson is 25th. That may not sound too appetizing for Marlins fans. Should that be the case, Houston can always throw in another top-30 prospect to sweeten the deal. Catcher Scott Manea (28th), perhaps?

There is a trade to be made, should Houston want it. However, their farm system has been stretched beyond most given the MLB Draft sanctions imposed due to the sign-stealing scandal.

In the end, it’s up to Houston.