With starting pitching still on the agenda, not landing Sale, doesn't mean the Astros are now out of options.
Sale might have been the goal for every team, but there are still plenty of top of the rotation starters still waiting for new homes.
Below are three "aces" general manager Jeff Luhnow and his staff should target.
1) Minnesota Twins right-hander Ervin Santana (33 years old)
Santana is still an above average pitcher plus he's under team control through 2019 making 14 million a year. When he's on his A-game he can lead a staff, but he's better off being a really good second or third starter.
Another good thing about Santana is that you certainly aren't giving up Lance McCullers or Alex Bregman. The Twins would probably return phone calls if you offered AAA outfielder Derek Fisher, right-hander Jandel Gustave and a player to be named later.
2) Oakland Athletics right-hander Sonny Gray (27 years old)
He had a down year last year, but since breaking into the majors he's been a stud, from 2013-2015 he had 2.88 ERA which was 10th best in baseball.
Gray is just now entering arbitration so he'll be under team control for a while so he's going to be costly. It won't cost you "untouchable" prospects, but major league middle infielder Tony Kemp and reliever Michael Feliz, plus A-ball outfielder Daz Cameron could be enough to make a deal.
3) Tampa Rays Chris Archer (28 years old)
Rumored to be moved this offseason, the only problem is reports say that the price tag for Archer is pretty high.
Archer has been a top pitcher in A.L., he's just been stuck on bad Rays team, in 2016 his ERA was just a touch over 4, but in years prior he's been on the cusp of being a dominant pitcher.
With Archer under control through the 2021 season, the Rays are probably holding out for a Sale like deal and If the Astros are to get involved this is where it might cost an "untouchable".
If you want Archer; Bregman or George Springer, AA third baseman J.D. Davis plus last years number one pick pitcher Forrest Whitley could be enough to start a dialog.
Options are out there for the Astros, it just depends on what is the price Luhnow is willing to pay, what is too high?
