The MLB trade deadline is right around the corner, and the Astros have already been linked to several intriguing names across baseball.

Astros GM Dana Brown has reportedly been in conversations with the Mets about first baseman Pete Alonso and pitcher Luis Severino, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden.

Bowden is also reporting that Brown has asked about Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker, Cubs first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger, and White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet.

Considering the Astros' needs, pitching appears to be the club's top priority, with Justin Verlander still on the IL and Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers not guaranteed to contribute this season.

While it would be nice to upgrade at first base, Jon Singleton and Mauricio Dubon have done a decent job since Jose Abreu was released earlier this year.

The other factor to consider is which teams will actually be sellers at the deadline. It's hard to believe the Mets and Diamondbacks will be looking to sell based on their records at the All Star break. New York currently holds the third wild card spot, and the D-Backs are only a game behind them.

Be sure to watch the video above as we examine which players would be the best fit for Houston, what they would have to give up in the trade, the likelihood of getting a deal done, and much more!

Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.