While celebrating Houston’s 2017 World Series victory Monday, Astros owner Jim Crane was simultaneously looking ahead.
“[Astros general manager] Jeff [Luhnow] and his team are actively pursuing a high-end starter,” Crane told local media, including MLB.com, Monday at Houston City Hall while announcing a tour for the World Series championship trophy.
Not long after, Yahoo! Sports reported that the Astros had contacted the Pirates about right-hander Gerrit Cole.
Sources: The Houston Astros have engaged with the Pittsburgh Pirates on trade talks for starter Gerrit Cole. One name bandied about as a return: outfielder Derek Fisher.