Gerrit Cole to Remain with New York Yankees, Avoiding Free Agency
Cole and Yankees Reach Agreement to Keep Him in Pinstripes
Oct 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) waves to fans following a win over the Kansas City Royals during game four of the ALDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Recent Developments in Cole’s Career
The New York Yankees and Gerrit Cole will continue to stay together under the veteran right-hander’s current contract, which has four years and $144 million left on it. Cole had opted out of his deal on Saturday, initially forcing the Yankees’ hand to either tack on one year worth $36 million of his deal or let him hit the free-agent market. Instead, the two sides are moving forward as though none of that ever happened.
Cole’s Performance with the Yankees
Signing a nine-year, $324 million contract ahead of the 2020 season, Cole had largely lived up to his role as the Yankees’ undisputed ace and one of the best pitchers in baseball. Across his first four years in New York after coming over from the Houston Astros, he posted a 3.08 ERA and won the 2023 American League Cy Young Award after going 15-4 with a 2.63 ERA.
Season and Playoffs
His 2024 season was delayed due to a shoulder injury that held him out until June 19. Upon his season debut, he struggled, posting a 6.75 ERA across his first four starts. In his final 10 regular-season starts, he looked like the Cole of old, with a 2.25 ERA. He headlined the Yankees’ rotation to an American League pennant. He posted a 2.17 ERA during the postseason, but his inability to cover first base during the fifth inning of Game 5 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers was the turning point that led New York to blow a 5-0 lead and ultimately, the series.
Injury Concerns and Velocity
On top of injury concerns, Cole’s velocity has gradually dipped over the last two seasons, which offers understandable concerns when considering adding another year to his contract, which would keep him in Yankee pinstripes until his age 38 season.
Conclusion
Gerrit Cole will remain with the New York Yankees, avoiding free agency and continuing his tenure with the team that signed him to a nine-year, $324 million contract in 2020. His performance has been impressive, and the team is likely to continue to rely on him as one of their top pitchers.
FAQs
Q: Why did Gerrit Cole opt out of his contract?
A: Cole opted out of his contract to test the free-agent market, but the Yankees and he ultimately agreed to keep him under his current contract.
Q: What is the remaining contract value for Gerrit Cole?
A: Cole has four years and $144 million left on his contract.
Q: What was Gerrit Cole’s performance in his first four years with the Yankees?
A: Cole posted a 3.08 ERA and won the 2023 American League Cy Young Award after going 15-4 with a 2.63 ERA.
