Astros were close to acquiring Evan Gattis before the Barves got all crazy

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Astros were interested in acquiring Braves catcher Evan Gattis this past summer. When the Astros re-engaged talks earlier this off-season, the Braves wanted the Astros to take 30-year old B.J. Upton, and the 3yrs/$46m-ish remaining on his contract. 

The Braves were interested in receiving Dexter Fowler, plus a pitcher, and maybe Carlos Corporan, as well. But the Astros apparently weren't interested in replacing Fowler with that contract and the -0.2 WAR Upton put up in 2013 and 2014 combined. 

Rosenthal described the Astros as still being interested in Gattis, whom they could use at a variety of positions - including DH - which would then allow the Astros to move Chris Carter. The Astros, of course, want to upgrade the left side of the infield and bolster their bullpen with Andrew Miller or David Robertson.