Houston Astros remain in contact with Oakland Athletics for RHP Sonny Gray

HOUSTON, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Adding an ace in January is a great way to start the year for any major league baseball franchise.

The Houston Astros are looking to add to the front end of its pitching rotation by possibly adding Sonny Gray. According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Astros have "remained in contact" with the right-handed pitcher.

The A's avoided arbitration with Gray last week, when it signed the 27-year-old to a one-year, $3.575 contract.

MLB.com's Mark Bowman reported in November that the Atlanta Braves inquired about the starter.

Gray earned $527,500 last season, when he went 5-11, with a 5.69 ERA in 117 innings. The 2015 All-Star and Cy Young Award finalist went 14-7, with a 2.73 ERA two seasons ago.