AL Trade Deadline Roundup: Playoff contenders making big moves

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Just as the White Sox decided to quietly label themselves as buyers at this year's trade deadline, the rest of the American League started to make moves. 

The Houston Astros and and Toronto Blue Jays made big splashes on Thursday just hours before Friday's afternoon deadline. The Astros acquired Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitcher Mike Fiers for three prospects and an international bonus slot. This came only days after pitcher Scott Kazmir was brought in from Oakland to solidify the rotation. 

[MORE: Reports: White Sox inquire about Upton, Cespedes among others]

The Blue Jays, who also made a big move earlier in the week by trading for Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, traded for the prized pitcher on the market, Tigers ace David Price. The Blue Jays gave up some of their top prospects but Price will now headline a rotation that is complemented by arguably the top offense in all of baseball. 

While Rick Hahn and the South Siders are reportedly inquiring about some of the big bats available on the market, including Padres outfielder Justin Upton and Tigers outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, the moves are certainly catching the attention of the White Sox front office. After Thursday's loss to the Red Sox, the White Sox sit 3.5 games back in the wild card.

[NBC SPORTS SHOP: Gear up, White Sox fans!]

Even the Texas Rangers, who are reportedly bringing in Cole Hamels from the Philadelphia Phillies after giving up a big haul, aren't completely out of the wild card picture, facing only a four game deficit. The Blue Jays are two games out of the wild card while the Astros currently lead the AL West by a game with the Los Angeles Angels on their tail. The Angels and the Minnesota Twins currently hold the two wild card spots and the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays and Detroit Tigers still sit ahead of the White Sox.

The Orioles are potentially also adding a piece to their outfield mix, as reports have them linked as a possible destination for Brewers outfielder Gerardo Parra.

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