Yankees and Astros Reportedly Battling for Madison Bumgarner and Zack Wheeler

As the trade deadline approaches, Wednesday's events could have a major impact on the American League playoff race.

The New York Yankees and Houston Astros, both in search of pitching help, are bidding on Madison Bumgarner and Zack Wheeler of the Giants and Mets respectively.

MadBum was previously thought to be off the market, but with the available pitching sub-par at best, the Giants are keeping the phones open. Should San Francisco receive an offer they cannot refuse (both of these teams have excellent farm systems), Bumgarner is attainable.

Wheeler, on the other hand, is expected to be dealt at some point before 4 p.m. ET. The Mets have taken Noah Syndergaard off the market, making Wheeler their most likely asset to be dealt. New York's return wouldn't be too high considering Wheeler is a rental, so it would make sense for a team like the Yankees to make a run at the 29-year-old, as he won't cost them their top prospects.

This is all assuming the Mets are even willing to to business with their crosstown rivals.

Brian Cashman needs to make a move for some pitching, whether he's willing to admit it or not. Houston, on the other hand, could use more rotation depth behind their formidable top two of Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. Something's got to give.