Cole was traded to the Astros on Wednesday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cole will strengthen one of the top staff's in the majors, as the Astros now employ Justin Verlander, Dallas Keuchel (foot) and the former Pirate. During the 2017 season, Cole posted a 4.26 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, while holding a 196:55 K:BB over 203 innings (33 starts). Although the right-hander saw improvement in strikeout and walk rates, his HR/9 jumped from 0.54 in 2016 to 1.37 last season. Looking ahead to 2018, Cole will likely slide in as Houston's third starter, but he's a fine addition as a second option in 12-to-15-team fantasy leagues.

Cole has been the subject of trade talks between Pittsburgh and Houston, Jeff Passan of YahooSports! reports.

EDGE Analysis

Astros owner Jim Crane told Alyson Footer of MLB.com that the club is "actively pursuing a high-end starter," adding that the organization is willing to dip into its prospect-rich farm system. The Passan report, which was confirmed by Jon Morosi of MLB.com, indicated one name mentioned was outfielder Derek Fisher, but the Pirates would almost certainly need outfielder Kyle Tucker or right-handed pitcher Forrest Whitley as the linchpin of any deal. The Astros are looking to shore up an already good starting staff that boasts Justin Verlander and Dallas Keuchel at the top of the rotation.

Cole (12-12) was saddled with the loss Friday against the Nationals. He allowed three runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out seven over 5.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Cole allowed just one run through the first five innings before running out of steam in the sixth. He allowed singles to Trea Turner, Anthony Rendon and Daniel Murphy before being pulled from the contest after just 5.1 innings of work, spoiling his chance at his first quality start since Sept. 6. The 27-year-old faltered during the final month of the regular season, allowing 22 runs over 36 innings in September and will conclude the 2017 campaign with a pedestrian 4.26 ERA; the highest mark of his five-year career. A propensity to serve up the long ball was the main culprit of Cole's struggles in 2017, as his 31 home runs allowed currently rank as the second-worst mark in the National League, trailing only John Lackey.

Cole (12-11) earned the win over the Cardinals on Saturday, allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out five over 5.2 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Tommy Pham was a thorn in Cole's side, driving in four of the five runs against the right-hander on a pair of run-scoring hits, including a homer. However, Lance Lynn was blown up on the other side, and that allowed Cole to get into the win column for the first time since Aug. 26. Cole has improved his strikeout and walk rates this season -- his xFIP is lower than his mark from a year ago -- but the home runs have spiked. He will look to finish strong against the Nationals next week.

Cole (11-11) allowed four runs on three hits and four walks while striking out six batters through five innings during Sunday's loss to Cincinnati.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old righty has now allowed nine runs through 10 innings over his past two starts to push him up to a 4.13 ERA and 1.23 WHIP for the campaign. Cole lines up for two tough matchups to finish the season with starts against the Cards at PNC Park followed by Washington at Nationals Park. Considering his current form, Cole should probably be viewed as a risky option for his final two outings.

Cole (11-10) was saddled with the loss in Tuesday's game against the Brewers. He allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out 10 over six innings.

EDGE Analysis

Cole tallied a season-high 10 strikeouts, but was undone by a rough third inning in which he allowed four runs on four hits and a walk. He was able to navigate through the next three frames with no further damage, but was stuck with the loss as the Pirates offense was only able to muster up two runs on the night. Cole has now allowed five earned runs in three of his last five starts and his ERA now sits at a very pedestrian 4.04. He lines up for a road matchup with the Reds on Sunday.

The Pirates have no plans to skip Cole's turn in the rotation, even as they look to add starting spots for Steven Brault and Tyler Glasnow, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

"I think we'll exclude (Gerrit) Cole because he hasn't shown any desire or need to do that," manager Clint Hurdle said. "It might be a benefit for each of those (other) guys, at least to have the conversation and get their thoughts." Since the All-Star break, Cole has compiled a 3.19 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 74:20 K:BB in 73.1 innings. He continues to struggle with the long ball, allowing eight homers since the break and 27 overall in 181 innings. Prior to 2017, the righty never permitted more than 11 home runs in four seasons.

Cole allowed two hits and four walks across eight scoreless innings Wednesday against the Cubs. He struck out eight and didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Cole has been somewhat inconsistent as of late, but he fired his best start of the second-half Wednesday. The right-hander has now posted two scoreless outings in his last four starts, but he's conceded five runs in each of his other two outings. Cole did consistently strike batters out over that span, fanning 27 opponents in 27.1 innings. The 26-year-old, who owns a 3.93 ERA and 1.22 through 29 starts this season, is lined up for two starts next week, with his first start coming Monday against the Brewers.

Cole (11-9) took the loss against the Reds on Friday, coughing up five runs on six hits and three walks over six innings while striking out six.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds jumped on him for three runs in the first inning, getting a measure of revenge against Cole after he stiffed them over seven scoreless innings back in Cincinnati on Aug. 26. The right-hander has now given up at least three runs in five of his last six starts, saddling him with a 4.58 ERA over that stretch despite a 40:10 K:BB in 39.1 innings. He'll look for a better result in his next outing Wednesday at home against the Cubs.

Cole (11-8) pitched seven shutout innings on five hits while striking out six to earn the win Saturday against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Cole entered the sixth inning in a scoreless tie, but he hit a home run to give himself enough run support in a 1-0 victory. After allowing nine earned runs over his last 12.1 innings covering two starts, hopefully this outing gets him back on track for a strong stretch run. He'll make his next start Friday against the Reds.