Cease could just be a half-year rental because of all the starting pitchers on Houston's injured list. The Astros have a full rotation sidelined. Lance McCullers, Luis Garcia, Ronel Blanco, Spencer Arrighetti, Cristian Javier and J.P. France are all on the injured list.

Adding Sandy Alcantara to the rotation ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline would be huge for the Astros. Houston is already one of the better teams in baseball this season, and a move like this could put the team over the top as the postseason nears.

An intriguing MLB trade deadline possibility has bubbled up as Thursday draws near: a Carlos Correa reunion with the Houston Astros. The Astros, presently perched atop the American League West standings and in the mix for best record in the AL,