Astros extend Gerrit Cole 'qualifying offer' in effort to keep him

HOUSTON – The Houston Astros extended a "qualifying offer" Monday to star right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole.

At an event at Memorial Park Golf Club on Monday, Astros owner Jim Crane told a small group of the media that losing Cole is not a done deal yet.

Crane said that he, general manager Jeff Luhnow and the team will "make a run at it," when referencing attempting to re-sign Cole

Here is what Crane said:

By Monday afternoon, the team confirmed an offer had been extended to Cole. Multiple reports said the offer was for $17.8 million.

Cole will be the most sought after free agent pitcher this offseason and is in line to command a new deal that will surpass $250 million.

He was 20-5 during the regular season.