MLB changed the trade deadline rules. Gone are the days of the regular deadline and the waiver wire deadline a month later. The Astros benefitted best from the waiver wire deadline, the most of any team I can think of in 2017. With what was reported as literal minutes or seconds to spare, they completed the deal for Justin Verlander. They went on to win a World Series that year and last year. Verlander threw in two Cy Young Awards amongst other awards and career milestones during his time in Houston.

Now that there's only one trade deadline, teams have to be more diligent. Whether selling or buying, teams have to do their homework and be ready to make a deal by 6PM EST on August 1 this year. Every year around this time, there are tons of rumors. Most of the scuttlebutt is about what players teams are potentially trading for. Another good portion is about players who are supposedly on the trading block.

The Astros are no different. This year, the rumors are exclusively about whom they may trade for. They're still trailing the Arlington Junk Grabbers by a few games in the division. Houston is currently in position to win a wildcard spot. A lock to make the playoffs wouldn't be a stretch, but it isn't guaranteed. Whether they trade for an arm, a bat, or both, they need to make a move/some moves. Whatever they decide to do, these are the guys I will not consider trading under any circumstances:

José Altuve: This man is a future Hall of Famer. He's Mr. Astro. You can argue Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, or whoever me all you want! THIS is the man people think of now when you think Astros baseball! He's a former MVP, batting champ, and was a key figure in two World Series wins. Some athletes earn the right to go out the way they see fit. Altuve has earned the right to do so here in Houston. I would give the death stare and silent treatment to anyone who calls about him as part of any trade.

Yordan Alvarez: The same way I revere Altuve for what he's done so far for this organization, that's the same way I feel about Yordan's future. He's taken over as the team's best hitter. Altuve owned that title, but his slide in recent years (coupled with Yordan's rise) has led many a fan to this conclusion. When he signed an extension through the 2028 season at a team friendly rate, he cemented himself as a long-term Astro. His ascension as a hitter, and his improved defense, has made him an untouchable in my eyes. Teams dream of All Star-caliber players locked up long-term on team friendly deals. When you have one, you do not trade them.

Framber Valdez: He's arguably the best pitcher in baseball right now. Debate that with your mom because I said what I said. He's the ace of this staff now that Verlander is wallowing in his own misery in New York. This season he's fifth in ERA, ninth in WHIP, averages 9.9 Ks per nine innings, and is 10th in innings pitched. His 7-6 record speaks more to his run support than his 2.76 ERA. Every great team has a staff with an ace of spades and the Great Frambino is that ace. He's arbitration eligible for two more years after this year, which means he's going to be relatively cheap for another two years. That makes him even more untouchable.

These three guys I'd put up against any other three in the league for what they mean to this team, this season. If you found a way to clone Willie Mays and turned the time machine back on Nolan Ryan, I might think about it. Outside of that, I'm willing to go into a fight with these three. Are there better individual players out there? Yes. Can a team put together three other guys I'd take over these guys? No. I want to see a move/some moves made before the deadline. Those moves need not involve any of these guys. I'd prefer to see each one retire in blue and orange.