Gerrit Cole’s Decision to Stay with the Yankees
TAMPA, Fla. — Gerrit Cole has made it clear that he always intended to remain with the New York Yankees. The 34-year-old right-hander, a six-time All-Star, exercised his right to opt out of his contract on the third day after the World Series, giving up $144 million over four years. This opt-out move came with a two-day window for the Yankees to void it by adding a $36 million salary for 2029. However, the team chose not to extend the contract, and Cole subsequently decided to keep his original deal. “The intention wasn’t to do anything other than stay,” Cole said on Wednesday as the Yankees started their spring training workouts. “I was happy to be where my feet were, back in Yankee Stadium.” His commitment to the Yankees is evident, and the team is grateful for his decision, as manager Aaron Boone noted, “Obviously, I’m excited he came back.” Despite the possibility of other lucrative offers, Cole’s choice to remain in the Bronx underscores his dedication and comfort with the organization.
Reflecting on His Contract and Performance
Cole signed a $324 million, nine-year contract with the Yankees before the 2020 season, making him one of the highest-paid players in baseball history. His 2023 season was capped by winning the AL Cy Young Award, a testament to his skill and resilience. However, the year also had its challenges, as Cole missed the first few months due to nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. He eventually made his first start on June 19, finishing the season with an 8-5 record and a 3.41 ERA in 17 starts. In the postseason, Cole was a key contributor, going 1-0 with a 2.17 ERA in five starts. “We had good conversations as a group and ultimately decided to continue along the path we were at,” Cole explained. “Maybe at some point in the future pick the conversation back up?” The manager’s support and the team’s collective decision reflect a mutual respect and a shared vision for the future.
The Impact of Scott Boras and Juan Soto’s Historic Contract
Cole is represented by Scott Boras, one of the most influential agents in baseball. Boras recently negotiated a record $765 million, 15-year contract for outfielder Juan Soto, which saw Soto leave the Yankees for the New York Mets. “It’s large. It’s a very large amount of money,” Cole acknowledged. “It’s hard to underestimate great players. It’s hard to underestimate Scott, too. He does a good job at what he does. So it is a large number and it’s a historic contract. It’s good for all players and good for the game. Obviously the Mets and the Mets fan base are thrilled about it, too.” While the loss of Soto is significant, Cole’s presence and the Yankees’ strategic additions highlight their ability to adapt and remain competitive.
The Yankees’ Roster Adjustments
After losing Soto, the Yankees made several high-profile moves to bolster their roster. They signed left-hander Max Fried, outfielder Cody Bellinger, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, and closer Devin Williams. Cole expressed his satisfaction with these additions, saying, “Juan will be missed to an extent, but the beauty of the Yankees is the ability to go out and fill the roster.” The acquisitions not only address immediate needs but also bolster the team’s depth and versatility, ensuring they remain a formidable force in the American League.
Cole’s Health and Outlook for the 2024 Season
Cole emphasized that he is fully healthy and ready to begin his sixth year with the Yankees. Last year’s World Series Game 5, where the Dodgers overcame a 5-0 deficit to win the title, was a humbling experience for Cole. He failed to cover first base on a Mookie Betts grounder, a moment he described as “a real terrible feeling.” However, Cole views such moments as a catalyst for growth and improvement. “Every time you step on the field it makes you tougher. It’s another log on your fire that inspires you to put the work in. It’s what fuels you to a certain extent, both winning and failure,” he said. With a renewed focus and a strong support system, Cole is poised to lead the Yankees’ pitching staff in the upcoming season.
The Yankees’ Projected Rotation and Team Dynamics
The Yankees’ projected rotation for the 2024 season is a formidable lineup, led by Gerrit Cole and bolstered by the addition of Max Fried. Other key players in the rotation include Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil, with Marcus Stroman also a potential option. Fried, who was 73-36 in eight seasons with Atlanta and won the final game of the 2021 World Series, brings a wealth of experience and success. “Max has come from an organization that has deep roots in pitching, going back to the days that inspired really my generation of how to throw with Greg Maddux and John Smoltz and Tom Glavine,” Cole said. “They really stick to some of those kind of old-school, core principles, and they’ve obviously ingrained a lot of those things in Max.” Clarke Schmidt, a young pitching prospect, is particularly excited to have Cole as a teammate for at least four more years. “That’s the pinnacle of all good staffs. You need an ace,” Schmidt said. “We have a certified ace in Gerrit. We’re lucky to have a guy like that on our side.” The team’s dynamics, rooted in mutual respect and shared goals, position the Yankees for another strong season. Additionally, the Yankees announced that pitching prospect Eric Reyzelman, 23, had an allergic reaction and was taken to a hospital for observation, adding a note of concern but also highlighting the team’s proactive approach to player health.
