The Astros are looking to hook up with a fellow MLB contender for a win-win trade before the deadline with outfielders to spare.

The Astros may be the reigning World Series champions but they've got work to do to defend their title.

With the All-Star break coming up, Houston sits four games behind the Rangers in the AL West. They occupy the third and final wild card spot in the American League but the Blue Jays are just one game back while the Angels are two.

The margin for error is narrow, so strengthening at the trade deadline is a must.

How do the Astros plan to do that? Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) provided some insight into the thought process via general manager Dana Brown.

The GM admitted that Houston is actively exploring "major-league player for major-league player" deals with other contenders. Specifically, he referenced the Astros having outfielders to deal.

Rosenthal named right-handers Chas McCormick, Jake Meyers and Corey Julks as players who could be considered.

Astros can get better by moving Chas McCormick, Jake Meyers or Corey Julks

Realistically those three players are interchangeable in terms of production this year. McCormick has seven home runs and 21 RBI compared with six home runs for both Julks and Meyers. Julks has 22 RBI while Meyers has 22. McCormick is slashing .252/.335/.444. Julks is at .265/.307/.386. Meyers is at .228/.317/.386.

Individuals may have their preference about which of those players gets shipped out, but trading at least one of them in exchange for a pitcher or a power bat would make a lot of sense for Houston. That's especially true now that Jose Abreu has started to pick up the pace, lessening the need for a first baseman.

Given Brown's candidness about the outfield situation, Astros fans should expect to see the team make a move in that regard, assuming they can find a trade partner willing to give them someone worthwhile in return.