3 Astros Prospects Who Should Remain Off Limits During Winter Trade Talks

The Houston Astros are facing a pivotal offseason. With pitcher Gerrit Cole and catcher Robinson Chirinos all set to depart Houston, the Astros need to find a way to prevent their championship window from closing.

With Carlos Correa and George Springer in line for huge contracts next winter, the only way for the Astros to add to their roster is via the trade market (assuming they want to keep both of them in Houston for the long haul). Then again, general manager Jeff Luhnow can't go too crazy if he's looking to make a splash because depleting the farm system would be bad business.

Here are three players Houston should deem untouchable in trade negotiations at the Winter Meetings.

3. Korey Lee

Milwaukee Brewers v Houston Astros / Bob Levey/Getty Images

The Astros have a bit of a catching issue on their hands, but by no means should they move on from No. 3 prospect in Korey Lee. The 21-year-old has impressed with his strong arm and his ability to drive the ball out of the park. In his final college season at California, Lee threw out 40% of baserunners. He can play all over the field too, logging games at catcher, outfield, shortstop and first base, so that kind of versatility is too valuable to give up.

2. Abraham Toro

Detroit Tigers v Houston Astros / Tim Warner/Getty Images

Abraham Toro spent 25 games with the Astros this season, but don't look at his major league stats. Toro has showcased unbelievable power in Double-A and Triple-A, where he accumulated a .324 batting average and .938 OPS along with 17 homers and 80 RBI this past season. That's great potential the team shouldn't give up on quite yet.

1. Forrest Whitley

New York Mets v Houston Astros / Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

This is a no-brainer. Forrest Whitley fell into the hands of the Astros in the 2016 MLB Draft with the 17th overall pick, despite being the best pitcher out of high school. While he has struggled throughout the minors this past year (7.99 ERA), he still has the capability to become Houston's future ace. With Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke exiting in the next couple of years, moving on from Whitley could foil their plans to maintain a formidable starting rotation.