Astros win the Gerrit Cole sweepstakes, acquire Pittsburgh's ace

Joe Rivera

Astros win the Gerrit Cole sweepstakes, acquire Pittsburgh's ace image

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!

The Pittsburgh ace was traded — until he wasn't — on Wednesday, surrounded by a flurry of rumors that sent baseball fans into a frenzy. At the end of the ride, the Astros are the ones who get off the rollercoaster with a smile.

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Speaking of rollercoasters, Cole's wife, Amy, probably Tweeted it the best.

In any case, here's how the Gerrit Cole sweepstakes panned out.

Gerrit Cole trade rumors

Saturday, Jan. 13: We have a winner! Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown reports that the Astros have landed Cole from the Pirates for Colin Moran, Joe Musgrove and more.

Friday, Jan. 12: It seems as though the Cubs have entered the fray, according to Jon Heyman.

9:20 a.m.: To counter the earlier King report, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand said not to count the Yankees out just yet in trade talks with the Pirates, via MLB Network's "Hot Stove."

Thursday, Jan. 11, 9:11 a.m.: Fox Sports' Jon Morosi says on MLB Network's "Hot Stove" that a deal is still in the works, but a few days away. 

2:00 p.m.: The New York Post's George A. King III reports that the Yankees had shut down talks with the Pirates over Gerrit Cole.

1:36 p.m.: Rosenthal apologizes for the misunderstanding.

1:14 p.m.: Fanrag Sports' Jon Heyman backs up Passan's report.

1:04 p.m.: Passan isn't here for your flimsy rumors!

12:52 p.m.: Here comes a new challenger! The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal confirms previous report from Morosi.

12:25 p.m.: Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan shows up to throw cold water on the hot stove. The baseball world weeps.

12:18 p.m.: And not but a half hour later…

11:48 a.m.: Morosi says a trade is imminent.

Wednesday, Jan. 10: It all started on Wednesday, Jan. 10 with Fox Sports' Jon Morosi. 

Joe Rivera