Report: Astros targeting Cole Hamels, other top-of-rotation starters

The Houston Astros are considering making a push for the playoffs for the first time since 2005.

General manager Jeff Luhnow is targeting Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels to bolster his rotation, as well as other top starters for a playoff push, reports CBS Sports' Jon Heyman.

The Astros are on Hamels' 20-team no-trade list, but Heyman believes a deal is still possible because of Houston's hot 34-21 start, and the prospect of an October run. The Astros' farm system is deep and could yield the kind of return Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. is looking for in exchange for the highly-coveted lefty. Hamels, of course, would have the final say on any potential deal, however.

Luhnow's focus is on acquiring a front-end starter to complement emerging ace Dallas Keuchel, and there are other options besides Hamels. Johnny Cueto, Scott Kazmir, and Jeff Samardzija could be on the block as the trade deadline approaches. Mid-range starters such as Aaron Harang and Kyle Lohse could also add some depth to Houston's rotation.

Heyman speculates the Astros are unwilling to deal top prospect Carlos Correa as part of a package for a premium arm, but Jon Singleton, Mark Appel, Max Stassi, Nolan Fontana, Colin Moran, and Domingo Santana could all be dangled as potential compensation in a deal. Houston also picks second and fifth in Monday's draft, adding two more top-notch prospects to any future trade conversations.