Astros' owner willing to add payroll to acquire player, won't make deal that 'gives away the future'

Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow has the backing from ownership to take on salary in a potential deal ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline.

"If we get a deal we'd like, we'd certainly like to pull the trigger," owner Jim Crane told Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle.

"We also don't want to sacrifice the future. We think we're in good shape for the future. We have a little room to increase payroll if necessary."

Houston has been long rumored to be in search of another arm to add to its rotation, with their search canvassing at least three teams.

The Astros were reportedly one of three teams aggressively pursuing Cincinnati Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto last week. Jeff Samardzija is also on Houston's radar, as the Chicago White Sox's are believed to be prepared to deal the right-hander. Both pitchers are free agents at the conclusion of the season.

Crane was adamant that the Astros won't deplete their farm system to make a deal, making a trade for Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels, or controllable, young pitchers Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner of the San Diego Padres less likely options.

"Attendance is better and numbers are better," Crane said. "But we won't make a deal that gives away the future. We're stacked pretty deep. We just have to keep moving forward."

Houston, who hasn't reached the postseason since 2005, currently occupies a wild-card spot and sits two games back of the division-leading Los Angeles Angels.