MLB Rumor: Insider suggests Astros could zero in on Ranger Suárez, insider proposes wild 7-team mega deal for Alec Bohm

Former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star pitcher Ranger Suarez is one of the top free agents remaining in the market after Dylan Cease's move to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Suarez, who is coming off a 12-8 season with a 3.20 ERA for the Phillies, is attracting interest from several MLB teams this offseason. The Houston Astros are one of the teams rumored to be interested in the left-handed pitcher.

The Astros lost Framber Valdez to free agency at the start of the season and are on the lookout for a reliable arm, potentially on a long-term deal. They will face competition from the likes of the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, and the San Francisco Giants, who are reportedly in the mix for the 30-year-old ace.

While the Astros are looking at pitching options, the Guardians could plot a blockbuster seven-team deal for Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm.

Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com proposed a potential deal for Bohm that involves the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks and Minnesota Twins, along with the Guardians and Phillies.

In the proposed deal, Philadelphia will receive outfielder Alek Thomas and pitching prospect Braylon Doughty in return for Bohm.

Astros could be wary of Ranger Suarez's lofty contract valuation in free agency

One potential roadblock for the Astros in their pursuit of Ranger Suarez could be the front office's unwillingness to break the bank.

According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Suarez is expected to command a six-year deal worth around $164 million. He would earn $27.3 million per year on the deal, making him one of the highest-paid pitchers in the league.

While the Astros may be reluctant to pay Suarez, the Giants have shown they can splash big money on free agents.