Bud Norris rumors: Trade talks heating up

The trade talks for Houston Astros righty Bud Norris have reportedly heated up, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.

Things have been heating up with Bud Norris trade talks since All-Star break, say baseball execs. #astros

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 20, 2013

Norris has been one of the hottest names on the trade market the last couple of weeks. According to multiple reports, Houston has a very high asking price for Norris and have set the bar at two top prospects.

Norris is 6-9 with a 3.91 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 83 strikeouts in 119.2 innings pitched over 20 starts. While he is currently Houston's ace, he likely projects as a middle to back-end starter for most teams.

He currently has a $3 million salary and is under team control for another two years. The fact that his salary is manageable and he is under team control for a number of years makes him an enticing target for many teams in the hunt for the playoffs.

A trade for Norris could follow a trade for Garza, who is reportedly close to being dealt. Among the teams who have reportedly called about Norris are the Rangers, Pirates, Red Sox, Dodgers, Blue Jays and Giants.

More from MLB Daily Dish:

• Cubs trade rumors: Matt Garza to Rangers deal on hold
• Red Sox agree to minor league deals with Contreras and Lyon
• Andrew Bailey injury: Torn capsular, damaged labrum
• Astros, Altuve agree to four-year, $12.5M deal
• Giants trade rumors: Lincecum trade unlikely