The Houston Astros did some early November roster cleaning today. As I talked about on last night’s Locked On Astros Podcast, Gerrit Cole was indeed the only player offered a qualifying offer by the Astros. If he accepts the offer, he would be signed for a one-year deal for the 2020 season for $17.8 million. Because Cole made $13.5 million-plus in 2019, it would technically be a raise for him, should he accept it. However, he would be selling himself short after a career year and domination throughout the playoffs.
Owner Jim Crane mentioned that the Astros are going to make a run to try to re-sign Cole.