All right. This would definitely heat up a frigid stove:
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. For a trade to happen, Pirates almost certainly would need Kyle Tucker or Forrest Whitley as a centerpiece.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 8, 2018
So many implications:
The Astros going after another frontline starter, as owner Jim Crane suggested they are today, makes sense with Dallas Keuchel hitting free agency after the 2018 season. Could be Gerrit Cole via trade. Could be Yu Darvish or Jake Arrieta in free agency. Options are plentiful.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 8, 2018
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