MLB Insider has a new connection between the Houston Astros and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The Houston Astros are emerging as a serious potential buyer ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

In recent weeks, the Astros have started winning at a high level. Despite all the adversity they’ve faced this season, they’re just two games behind the Seattle Mariners in the American League West race.

With that in mind, it seems very likely that they will look to add talent. Houston general manager Dana Brown has been very vocal about wanting to trade for a starting pitcher in a recent quote.

A starting pitcher is a definite need, but the Astros could also use a good first baseman.

Toronto Blue Jays star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been floated as a potential trade target, and that’s what happened again Wednesday.

During a live broadcast on Bleacher Report, MLB insider Jon Heyman again linked Houston as a potential trade contender for Guerrero.

At 25, Guerrero could become the long-term first baseman and potential next face of the Astros franchise. He has an elite bat and is reaching his prime.

Guerrero would also have one year left on his contract, giving Houston time to work out a new deal with him.

During the 2024 MLB season, Guerrero posted a .290/.364/.454 average. He also hit 13 home runs and contributed 52 RBIs.

The Blue Jays don’t seem particularly interested in parting ways with their star slugger, but that could change. Toronto is struggling and quickly falling out of contention. Heyman also made it clear that the two sides haven’t had productive discussions about a potential extension.

If both sides continue to have issues in contract negotiations and the team continues to struggle in the coming weeks, a trade involving Guerrero would become much more likely.

If he were to be placed on the trade list, the Astros would have to do everything they could to acquire him. He is a player who could be a game-changer for the franchise.

That being said, Guerrero will be a name to watch very closely ahead of the trade deadline. He would arguably be the biggest player on the trade market if he were available. It seems very likely that Houston would be interested in him if that were to happen.