NEWSLETTER
In a sleepy market like this, we’ll take just about any transaction we can get, but the a division rival of the Cubs trading a cost-controlled, impactful starting pitcher to a team with whom the Cubs are competing on other starting pitcher free agents? That would be very significant.
Gerrit Cole trade talks between #Astros and #Pirates are gaining momentum, according to @JesseSanchezMLB. Latest @MLB story here: https://t.co/1Of8EO2s7y @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 10, 2018
In the report, Sanchez indicates that Cole – not Justin Verlander – was actually Houston’s top trade target this past summer. Although it’s not clear if a deal is imminent (naturally), Sanchez’s sources say the trade talks are “picking up steam.”
This is the second connection between the Pirates and Astros on Cole this week, with Jeff Passan – who had been all over the earlier Yankees-Cole rumors – reporting on Monday that the talks had begun. Among the reasons this is fairly consequential stuff:
It will be very interesting to see if the Yankees now get back into the picture, trying to up their offer to land Cole. Previously, the two sides were reportedly at an impasse over the inclusion/exclusion of top prospect (and former Cubs prospect) Gleyber Torres. The Pirates are going to get a great return for Cole either way, but all else equal, I’d just rather not see Torres ripping up the Cubs 19 times a year with the Pirates.
UPDATE: A little local confirmation of the talks out of Pittsburgh, plus the Astros’ own untouchable:
As Pirates and Astros discuss Cole, hearing that it’s likely that right-hander Forrest Whitley is untouchable. Kyle Tucker, Derek Fisher are possibilities.
— Bill Brink (@BrinkPG) January 10, 2018
Whitley has been flying up the ranks, and might be a top 10 prospect in all of baseball at this point. The Astros’ position there is understandable.
UPDATE 2: LET’S GO, STOVE:
Sources: Gerrit Cole trade to #Astros imminent. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 10, 2018
UPDATE 3: Hot Stove, engaged:
Source: #Astros and #Pirates have reached agreement on Gerrit Cole trade. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 10, 2018
UPDATE 4: The obligatory caution:
While a number of parties figure the Gerrit Cole-to-Astros deal will get done, multiple sources are cautioning that it's not there yet. Cole has not been informed of a trade to Houston. Generally, this sort of thing winds up with a deal being consummated. Just not at this point.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 10, 2018
It would be EXTREMELY “this offseason” for the deal to fall apart at this point, and everyone to retreat into their caves.
UPDATE 5: I would laugh if I weren’t crying:
Just spoke with Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow, who acknowledged he’s “talked to several teams about possible trades” but said “at this point, nothing is imminent."
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) January 10, 2018
UPDATE 6: You’ve gotta be freaking kidding me:
Source: "No deal" for Gerrit Cole to Houston. "False rumor."
As is the case with these things, talks could pick back up quickly. For now, though, Gerrit Cole to Houston is not happening.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 10, 2018
I know we joke about this offseason, but what the hell? You almost *never* see reports like those of Jon Morosi and Ken Rosenthal, with such certainty in them, being soon thereafter rejected by another respected writer as a “false rumor.” Clearly, something uniquely wonky has happened on this one.
You have to wonder if the Astros and Pirates got very close, and wires got crossed while the Pirates went back to the Yankees one last time …
For now, stand down, and resume your offseason sadness.
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