MLB trade news: Astros actually trade for Gerrit Cole

The Astros have acquired Gerrit Cole in a trade with the Pirates, both teams announced Saturday.

The Astros gave pitchers Joe Musgrove and Michael Feliz and third baseman Colin Moran to the Pirates in return. Prospect Jason Martin is also heading to Pittsburgh.

CONFIRMED: The Pirates have acquired right-handed relief pitcher Michael Feliz, outfielder Jason Martin, third baseman Colin Moran and right-handed starting pitcher Joe Musgrove from the Houston Astros in exchange for Gerrit Cole. pic.twitter.com/iPhCMXQSI7
— Pirates (@Pirates) January 14, 2018

Cole is coming off of a career-worst ERA at 4.26 in 203 innings pitched, but he remains one of the hardest throwers in the game. He was the No. 1 overall pick in 2011 by Pittsburgh and is twice a first-round pick as he was taken 28th overall by the Yankees in 2008.

Houston will now feature a rotation with two Cy Young winners in Justin Verlander and Dallas Keuchel and a former No. 1 overall pick in Gerrit Cole. Lance McCullers Jr. and Charlie Morton will likely round it out.

"I'm ecstatic," Cole told MLB.com. "I got the phone call not too long ago and I was shocked. I couldn't have been more happy. I'm familiar with a few people on the organization and the team."

He continued, "They have a great identity, have a great brand of baseball and made the city of Houston proud. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of something like that.