The Houston Astros have met with free agent SP Max Scherzer, according to Buster Olney (ESPN). Olney appeared on SportsCenter this morning and here (below) is the video. (H/t @ZachMayer14)

Max Scherzer, 30, finished the 2014 season with 3.15 ERA and 1.175 WHIP in 220.1 innings pitched.

This rumor comes a bit out of nowhere as the Astros weren’t expected to pursue top-of-the-rotation starting pitchers, at least according to GM Jeff Luhnow. Luhnow told Evan Drellich (Houston Chronicle) that they’re not really competing for the top guys in the market, but Scherzer is probably the BEST talent available in the free agent market.

Scherzer is expected to demand close to $25 million a year, which many expected to be way out of the Astros price range. However, the Astros could certainly use an anchor for their staff to mentor the likes of Dallas Keuchel, Collin McHugh, and the other young prospects.

We heard reports earlier in the Winter Meetings that two unidentified owner came to San Diego to meet with Scherzer’s agent, Scott Boras. We know Jim Crane is in San Diego for the Winter Meetings, so it’s certainly possible the Astros have discussed Scherzer with Boras. However, Evan Drellich reports that Boras met with the Astros to discuss Stephen Drew and other RPs.

In a nutshell…we’ll see!

Stick with House of Houston for all the latest Astros rumors and moves during the Winter Meetings. Click here for all the latest rumors!