MLB Rumors: Astros Making Big Push For Star Center Fielder

The Houston Astros have made some big moves already as the deadline approaches, but they've created one hole they'd like to fill. By dealing center fielder Jose Siri in the deal that landed them catcher Christian Vazquez, they'll be trying to fill that CF need today.

Big day for Astros. Trey Mancini. Christian Vázquez. Will Smith. And possibly one more move coming. Team still looking for CF help.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 2, 2022

The big names the Astros are targeting are Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles. The Pirates have given no indication that Reynolds is readily available, but things are more uncertain on the Orioles' front, especially now that they've dealt Trey Mancini. 

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic has proposed that the Astros could take a big swing at Mullins by offering three years of control in a starting pitcher like Jose Urquidy, and other prospect capital. 

Mullins was a breakthrough All-Star last season, exploding onto the scene with a 30-30 season (HR and SB). This year has been a bit more pedestrian for the 5-foot-8 dynamo, as he's batted .259 (compared to .291 in 2021) with a .711 OPS (.878 last season), with just 9 HR. But he is still running, with 22 SB.

The Astros have made some bold moves already, so they shouldn't be counted out on this front.

Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports