Astros linked to former ace, could pursue reunion this winter

The Houston Astros are a team that began the 2024 season on a sour note, starting off 7-19. However, they've overcome this dreadful start and are now set up to win the American League West yet again.

They'll hope for a deep October run this year, but they could also be even better in 2025.

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is expected to opt out of his contract and hit the free agent market again. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report suggested that the Astros could pursue the veteran right-hander.

"Gerrit Cole has a phenomenal two-year run with the Astros in 2018-19. He made 65 regular season starts with a 2.68 ERA, plus seven postseason starts with a 2.17 ERA," Miller wrote. "Simply put, his dominance with Houston is why he got such a massive contract from the Yankees."

Houston acquired Cole from the Pittsburgh Pirates prior to the 2018 season, and he immediately became the ace of their staff. He helped guide them back to the World Series in 2019 and earned the win in Game 5 against the Washington Nationals.

Granted, the Astros don't always dish out massive contracts, though Cole's next contract might not be quite as lengthy as his deal with the Yankees was intended to be.

With Justin Verlander's status for 2025 uncertain and the rash of injuries that has plagued the Astros staff this season, it would make sense for them to try and reunite with Cole and remain a powerhouse in the American League.

His market will be competitive, but it will be interesting to see if Houston decides to give Cole a call about a possible reunion.

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