A key MLB insider stated this week that the New York Yankees’ decision to re-sign ace Gerrit Cole was not solely motivated by the need to keep their top starting pitcher.
With the 2024 World Series in the books, all MLB teams have turned their attention to the offseason. Before free agency began, the Yankees had several big decisions to make. The most notable was imposed on them by ace Gerrit Cole.
The six-time All-Star had a clause that allowed him to opt out of the last three years of his nine-year contract. He exercised that choice over the weekend. However, New York had its own unique clause that prevented him from potentially leaving in free agency. If they extended his contract for another year.
On Monday night, the team did what many expected, using that option to keep their top pitcher. Instead of adding a year, they agreed to stay with the previous terms. Most felt it was a no-brainer given his worth to the team and the fact that his once-expensive deal had come closer to market value for an excellent pitcher.
On Tuesday, however, experienced MLB insider Ken Rosenthal hinted that the New York Yankees have an extra motivation to ensure Cole’s return.
- Gerrit Cole contract: Nine years, $324 million
New York Yankees retained Gerrit Cole to strengthen chances of re-signing Juan Soto?
“I am not sure if the Yankees can afford to [let Cole walk]. They want another Scott Boras client, Juan Soto. And they’re not going to insult Boras or Cole to the point of saying, “Kick rocks.” However, they clearly stated that they were unwilling to undertake $36 million at the age of 38.
It may appear stupid, but the organisation must bring Soto back. Yankees fans saw in his postseason performance that he will be crucial in helping them win another World Series title. Not Aaron Judge. Boras has leverage in general due to the outfielder’s high worth. But he also has a close relationship with Soto. And could persuade him to join another team if he decided to be petty because the Yankees upset one of his other clients.
- Gerrit Cole stats (2024): 8-5 Record, 3.41 ERA, 1.126 WHIP, 99 strikeouts, 95.0 innings pitched
