HOUSTON -- As the Rangers seek creative ways to accelerate their rebuilding process, they must consider this conundrum: What to do about Joey Gallo?

While Gallo, who didn't play in Friday's 11-2 victory at Houston, has struggled to hit for batting average, his power potential and long-term control have made him an attractive target to teams seeking a slugger for the playoff race. According to two major league sources, Cleveland and Philadelphia have been among the most aggressive in inquiring about Gallo.

There remains interest in several Rangers, including relievers Keone Kela, Jake Diekman and Alex Claudio and starter Mike Minor.

The deadline is Tuesday at 3 p.m. It does not appear a deal is imminent. But the Rangers must consider the possibility that a player such as Gallo, who won't be arbitration eligible until after 2019 and who won't be a free agent until the end of 2022, at the earliest, might bring the most significant return from a contender. The Rangers would probably have to be overwhelmed to trade Gallo, and that possibility remains a longshot given that he has struggled at the plate this year. But the Rangers, according to the sources, have not dismissed conversation.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels does not confirm or deny ongoing trade talks but has recently indicated that he does not consider any players "untouchable."

"You know, I hesitate to put that label on anybody, because the reality is, if somebody wanted to get, or if somebody valued one of your players at a really high level, you have to listen," Daniels told the Ben & Skin Show on KRLD-FM last week. "Obviously, there are some guys that are less likely to be moved than others, but I think it's pretty rare -- outside of a Mike Trout-type situation -- where you truly have an untouchable player in today's game."

The Phillies on Friday acquired

baseman Asdrubal Cabrera from the New York Mets to boost their offense, but have struggled to get production from first baseman Carlos Santana recently. Santana has a slightly higher OPS (.766 to .764) than Gallo but has struggled this month. He began Friday with a slash line of .187/.326/.333/.659 for July. Though Gallo is hitting only .175 for July, the rest of his slash line dwarfs that of Santana: .347/.491/.838.