Astros have clear path to a blockbuster trade due to $12.5 million reason

The Houston Astros are coming out of the All-Star break under .500 and behind in the AL Wild Card hunt. But, just 3.5 games back, and 4.0 back of the AL West division lead, they could easily be trade deadline buyers.

If they are buying, starting pitching, bullpen, and a left-handed hitting outfield are their top needs. While they might not have the best trade chips to land a deal, they do have one clear advantage following the Lance McCullers trade to the Milwaukee Brewers.

As USA Today's Bob Nightengale highlighted, the Astros have a $12.5 million reason to swing a big deal. Under the luxury tax threshold by that amount, the Astros have the space financially to land an expensive player this summer.

Astros can swing a blockbuster deal thanks to $12.5 million room

"The Astros are about $12.5 million under the luxury tax threshold after saving $2.5 million in the Lance McCullers trade with the Brewers, which would certainly cover the salary of acquiring someone like Tarik Skubal or Robbie Ray," Nightengale writes.

This is a very interesting note from Nightengale, as the Astros might have the ability to land a top-tier player like Tarik Skubal or Robbie Ray at the deadline without worrying about their financials.

Other teams around baseball might have interest in Skubal, Ray, or other expensive veterans. But not all have the room financially to add such a player without going over the luxury tax threshold.

MORE: Why Astros are trading Lance McCullers to the Brewers

The Astros, following their trade of McCullers, have the room needed for such a massive deal. Houston will need to start winning some games to justify such a big addition.

But, of all the teams in MLB, if they do make up the ground needed to be in the postseason hunt, they could swing a massive blockbuster deal for someone with a big contract like Skubal or Ray.

This $12.5 million in space before the luxury tax threshold for the Astros could lead to a huge move. At the very least, it's something to keep in mind, as this room could be key to making a big upgrade.

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