Astros Owner Reveals Team May Pursue Gerrit Cole in Free Agency But Team Prefers to Avoid Tax

Gerrit Cole is considered to be the best starting pitcher available on the free agent market this winter.

The dominant right-hander is expected to land a monster contract at a price likely too large for Houston's budget considering how many other stars this team has on its payroll.

However, team owner Jim Crane left the door a smidge open for Cole's return.

Crane told reporters the team will talk to Cole and his representatives this winter to make a run at re-signing him.

That being said, the owner also indicated the Astros will prioritize staying under the luxury tax threshold over breaking the bank for Cole.

While the Astros shored up their future rotation with the acquisition of Zack Greinke, losing Cole would undoubtedly be a big blow to the AL superpower. Cole is a contender to win the Cy Young this year after going 20-5 with a 2.50 ERA and 326 strikeouts in 212.1 innings.

Then again, going over the tax shouldn't be much of an issues for the Astros. They can extend their window of contention by several years if they re-sign Cole instead of relying on cheaper, more ineffective options.

More playoff appearances means more money, and Cole will exponentially increase the Astros' chances of prancing into the ALCS for the foreseeable future.