A trade between the Astros and the Pirates revolving around Pittsburgh right-hander Gerrit Cole is "imminent," sources told MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi. The teams have not commented.
Astros owner Jim Crane said when asked by MLB.com on Monday that the club is actively pursuing a high-end starting pitcher to add to an already formidable rotation that includes Dallas Keuchel, Justin Verlander, Lance McCullers Jr. and Charlie Morton.
According to a source, Cole was Houston's top target last summer. When a deal could not be put together, the team opted for Verlander, who flourished down the stretch and in the postseason for the World Series champions.