Report: Astros, Pirates gaining momentum on Cole trade

In their quest for a starting pitcher, the Houston Astros are gaining momentum toward a trade for Gerrit Cole from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.

The deal is now "imminent," according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Astros owner Jim Crane told reporters his club was "actively pursuing a high-end starter," but wouldn't specify whether it was via trade or free agency.

The 27-year-old Cole has been a fixture in the rumor mill as the Pirates seem to be on the precipice of a rebuild, with the New York Yankees previously mentioned as a potential landing spot for the right-hander.

In return for Cole, the Pirates are rumored to be asking about Astros outfield prospect Derek Fisher, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, though the Astros would likely also have to part with higher-ranked prospects such as outfielder Kyle Tucker or pitcher Forrest Whitley.

In 203 innings last year, Cole posted a 4.26 ERA and 4.08 FIP over 33 games. Cole is under team control for two more seasons, heading into his final years of arbitration.