What catchers will the Houston Astros seek at the deadline?

The Houston Astros need help behind the plate if they plan on winning another World Series. Thankfully for them, there are multiple options on the trade block this summer. Who could they look at?

The Houston Astros have two clear needs this summer: a relief pitcher and a catcher. Although, even without either of the two, the reigning champions would remain contenders.

Nevertheless, general manager Jeff Luhnow and company are making calls to improve the club. And while Houston hasn’t been linked to a handful of different players, there are a few notable ones.

Reporters linked the Astros to Raisel Iglesias last week, but nothing is certain. Now, Houston has an eye on Wilson Ramos, per several reports.

Of course, just because the front office inquires about a player, a deal isn’t necessarily imminent. That was the case this offseason with premier trade target J.T. Realmuto. And Call to the Pen already made its case for why the Marlins catcher is No. 1 on Luhnow’s wish list.

However, there are several other decent options available.

Relief pitchers are easy to find, as every team across the league has a few dominant hurlers. Even Baltimore and Miami have suitable players for contenders.

But it’s much more difficult to find a dependable catcher in the league.

Houston ranked near the top in catcher production across the past few seasons. Yet, this year has been different, even with Max Stassi’s increased output. Brian McCann, currently injured, owns below-average numbers this year.

Thanks to Stassi, the Astros rank 12th in catcher OPS. That doesn’t include power hitter Evan Gattis, the team’s primary designated hitter.

But Houston isn’t the only team searching for a backstop, as Washington and Boston are also in the mix. Those two clubs rank 30th and 27th in catcher OPS, respectively.

If the Astros plan to acquire one of the few reliable catchers on the market, they will have to fight to get them.