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 mi