Report: Yankees shut down trade talks with Pirates for Cole

Even with the Houston Astros temporarily striking out on a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates for ace Gerrit Cole, don't count on the New York Yankees swooping in to acquire the 27-year-old starter.

The club has shut down trade talks with the Pirates for the right-hander, an industry source informed George A. King III of the New York Post. The Yankees have been heavily linked to Cole this winter, dating back to the regular season.

Earlier on Wednesday, multiple sources reported an agreement had been reached between the Astros and Pirates for Cole. It was later refuted by Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow, who admitted "nothing was imminent" on the trade front.

Whether or not the Astros rekindle trade talks with the Pirates, the Yankees appear focused on alternatives to improve the starting rotation. They are among the five teams being considered by free-agent starter Yu Darvish, and have been linked to Detroit Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer through trade.