Astros owner not sure if team will be able to re-sign Gerrit Cole

The Houston Astros have had a stacked roster the last few seasons and may currently have their best pitching staff of all. But they may not be able to keep it for long.

Gerrit Cole will be a free agent after the season. On Wednesday, Astros owner Jim Crane said he was not sure if they will be able to keep Cole because of the luxury tax.

VIDEO: #Astros owner Jim Crane on Gerrit Cole:
“We don’t know yet, we’ll see where we end up after the year. We may make a run at it, we’re not sure yet…
He’s had a great year, he’s young and he’s going to likely demand a big salary.”#TakeItBack pic.twitter.com/BVo1Q5oyPd

— Ari Alexander (@KPRC2Ari) October 2, 2019

“We don’t know yet, we’ll see where we end up after the year. We may make a run at it; we’re not sure yet. We’re going to wait to see where things unfold and who else is going to stay on the team. We’re going to keep a very close eye on it, communicate. He’s had a great year, he’s young and he’s going to likely demand a big salary,” Crane said.

Cole just turned 29 and will be one of the most desirable free agents this offseason. A former No. 1 pick, he has reached his potential with the Astros, making two straight All-Star teams. He is 20-5 with a 2.50 ERA and a league-best 326 strikeouts in 212.1 innings. He has led the league in strikeouts per nine innings the last two seasons.

Cole could command $200 million or more in free agency, which would make it tough for Houston to keep him.