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MLB Rumor Central: Astros interested in Chris Archer, Chris Sale

Chris Archer remains a valuable commodity despite losing 19 games in 2016. AP Images/Alan Diaz

Despite all the big moves they've made this offseason, the Houston Astros might not be done just yet.

Rumor Central

With Carlos Beltran now in the fold, the Astros seemingly are finished upgrading their offense. And some believe the team invested so heavily in doing so in order to make a run at the Chicago White Sox's Chris Sale or Tampa Bay Rays' Chris Archer, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports.

The Astros are interested in both aces, Heyman writes, although they've been linked to Sale for some time now. Archer could be more of a consolation prize, as he's coming off a down year in 2016 but still carries a high price tag due to how well he pitched in 2015 (fifth in AL Cy Young voting) and the fact he is potentially under club control through the 2021 season. Regardless, Heyman writes that Houston very much likes the 28-year-old.

As for Sale, 27, four other clubs are being considered legitimate suitors in addition to the Astros. Sale's contract has options that will keep him away from free agency until the end of the 2019 season.

Both the Rays and White Sox would presumably be looking to acquire Alex Bregman in any deal regarding their aces. The Astros aren't likely looking to trade the 2015 No. 2 overall draft pick but could be more willing to do so given their offensive improvements. However, ESPN's Buster Olney reports the Astros are telling teams there's "no chance" they'll move Bregman.

- Kyle Brasseur