The Astros are going to be checking on pretty much every available pitcher before the July 31 trade deadline, with the exception of Ken Giles. While they may prefer to acquire a pitcher who they can control beyond this season, they surely wouldn’t turn down Madison Bumgarner in the right deal.
Bumgarner, who turns 30 on August 1, is set to hit free agency after the season, so he would be a pure rental (unless the Astros plan to work out an extension as part of the deal). However, there’s no denying what kind of boost he would bring to a pitching staff that could surely use one.