With Framber Valdez likely on the way out, the Houston Astros need to find a reliable starter to fill his shoes this offseason. Many Astros fans have already pointed to free agent pitcher Dylan Cease. The former San Diego Padres hurler was almost traded to Houston at the July 31 deadline, but ultimately, no trade was struck.
While Cease could (and should) still appear on the Astros' radar this winter, there are a number of potential trade candidates popping up as well. It would cost a high price — perhaps one the Astros are unwilling (and unable) to pay — in order to land an arm like Tarik Skubal or Hunter Greene, but Washington National starter MacKenzie Gore could be within their reach.