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Report: Astros showing interest in Abreu, Britton

Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Houston Astros enter the second half of the season with the third-best winning percentage in the American League, trailing the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, and it appears the reigning World Series champions want to address that via the trade market.

Houston is showing interest in Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu and Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton, MLB.com's Richard Justice said on Friday's broadcast of "MLB Central."

Abreu is fresh off of his second All-Star appearance despite having a down year, hitting .253/.311/.441 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs. The 31-year-old Cuban has driven in 100 or more runs in four straight seasons, however, and could provide an already formidable Astros lineup with added punch.

The veteran is under contract until the end of 2019 and will earn the remainder of his $10.825-million salary this season in addition to the $13 million he is owed next season.

This isn't the first time the Astros have been linked to the 30-year-old Britton. Houston nearly acquired the left-hander at last season's trade deadline before a medical issue with a player involved in the trade caused the deal to falter.

Britton has missed a big chunk of the 2018 campaign due to offseason Achilles surgery. Since returning, he's fashioned a 3.68 ERA in 14 2/3 innings with four saves.

The southpaw is also reportedly coveted by the Red Sox, Yankees, and Phillies.

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