MLB Trade Rumors: Houston Astros Target Lugo, Ray And Realmuto

The Houston Astros have their sights on a couple of players, with the names of J.T. Realmuto and Seth Lugo being specifically mentioned. However, getting either or both players may come at a price with the Miami Marlins and the New York Jets.

The names of Kyle Tucker and Forrest Whitley have been singled out as players who may spur interest for both the Marlins and the Jets. And from the looks of it, the Astros are not willing to surrender both players who are considered the fifth and eight top prospects by MLB.com.

Realmuto is no stranger when it comes to drawing interest from the Astros, CBS Sports noted. While they did sign Robinson Chirinos earlier in the offseason to a one-year deal, it seems that Houston has not totally closed the book on potentially snagging the 27-year-old catcher.

Any potential trade may need to be tweaked, and perhaps only the two, Tucker or Whitley, are likely to be included. If that doesn't work, a third team to add more assets into the deal may be necessary.

As for Lugo, he is likely not to come easy. Seeing as how the Mets have full control of him until 2022, it may take a lot to convince New York to consider a trade deal for him. And like Realmuto, the names of Tucker and Whitley are the ones that could trigger a deal.

The Mets do not actually have to trade Lugo up front. They do have a fair amount of starters on their end. Hence, the Astros can pitch a proposal for the 29-year-old pitcher and see how the Mets respond.

Lugo is coming off a good year. He played 54 games and produced a 2.66 ERA with 103 strikeouts in 101 1/3 innings. He did start in five games and is seen as an Astro-type of a guy, Fansided reported.

If they are unable to strike a deal for Realmuto or Lugo, another player the Astros are reportedly considering is Robbie Ray. Per the Boston Globe, Houston and the Philadelphia Phillies are very interested in the services of the 27-year-old pitcher. He is coming off a fourth straight productive season, posting a 3.84 ERA/3.81 FIP with 11.03 K/9, 4.00 BB/9 and a 42.5 percent groundball rate in 587 2/3 innings since 2015.

If successful, Ray could be a valuable addition to the Astro's starting unit that already features Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. With the exits of Charlie Morton and Lance McCullers Jr. and the possible departure of Dallas Keuchel, Ray may help fill up the void.