One name that has come up recently in connection with the Astros is Washington Nationals ace MacKenzie Gore. The 26-year-old is in the midst of a career-year, pitching to a 3.52 ERA in 21 starts, and being named to his first career All-Star appearance.

Washington is 43-62 on the year, 13.5 games back in the wild card race, so it will likely be willing to trade one of its best arms if it can get the right offer. The Cubs, who appear ready to make a deep playoff run, could benefit tremendously from Gore, so they might be willing to meet the Nationals' "sky-high" price point.

What looked like a promising season for the Washington Nationals went south in a hurry during June and July, and now the team is back in a familiar position of