Report: Astros still looking at Verlander despite pursuit of Gray

The Houston Astros may be enamored with Sonny Gray, but it doesn't look like that's stopping them from apparently looking at other options as well.

Despite apparently ramping up its pursuit of Gray, Houston reportedly remains interested in swinging a deal for Detroit Tigers star Justin Verlander, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

While the Astros may remain open to adding Verlander, they haven't had substantial discussions with the Tigers, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Any deal sending Verlander to Houston would also require the Tigers to add cash into the deal, per Morosi. Verlander would also have to give his approval thanks to his no-trade clause.

It was reported on Monday that Detroit may have changed its stance on eating money in a Verlander deal, and may now be willing to do so. The team had been said to be wanting a large return for the 34-year-old while not retaining any of his salary, but the amount of money left - at least $56 million guaranteed over the next two years, plus a $22-million vesting option - along with his disappointing 2017 season and advancing age likely makes that a difficult sell.

Report: Tigers willing to include cash in Verlander trade

Whether the Tigers will even deal Verlander remains unknown. Although they've already dealt one veteran in J.D. Martinez and are expected to sell off more pieces ahead of the deadline, a report during the All-Star break suggested Verlander was not being actively shopped.

Houston is casting a wide net in its search to add starting pitching, and talks with the division rival Oakland Athletics about Gray were reportedly "heating up" on Thursday morning.

Besides their apparent interest in Verlander and Gray, the Astros are also reportedly one of several teams looking at Tigers reliever Justin Wilson.