Astros rumors: Bud Norris, Lucas Harrell trade unlikely

It was recently reported that the Houston Astros are willing to listen to offers on any of their players. While general manager Jeff Luhnow wouldn't term anyone untouchable, he told reporters -- including Brian McTaggart of MLB.com -- that he doesn't expect to trade starting pitchers Bud Norris or Lucas Harrell.

Cards want Norris, Harrell?

St. Louis has plethora of young, strong pitching, but that hasn't stopped them from looking at a pair of Astros starters.

Luhnow said Norris and Harrell are "such an important part" of the Astros that "it would take a significant offer to even consider" a trade.

Still, when it comes to the Astros, you can't rule anything out. McTaggart points out that Luhnow has completed over a dozen trades since taking over the team 15 months ago. He's whittled his veterans down to nearly none, as they only have three players -- Phillip Humber, Jose Veras and Carlos Lee -- on their 40-man roster that are over the age of 29.

Norris -- who's in his first year of arbitration eligibility -- is the team's highest-paid player, and he's set to make $3 million in 2013. The 28-year-old is under team control through 2016, and he owns a career ERA of 4.42 over four seasons in the majors.

Harrell won't be eligible for arbitration until 2015, and the 27-year-old won't hit the open market until '18. He started 32 games for the Astros last season, while posting an ERA of 3.76.

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