New York Yankees ace and reigning CY Young pitcher Gerrit Cole is currently in the fifth year of his nine-year $320 million extension contract. Cole was certainly worth the money for the Bombers as he not only posted clinical ERA but also stayed healthy until the 2024 season.
Gerrit Cole had a delayed start to the 2024 season due to an elbow injury triggered in spring training. That being ahead of the off-season, the Yankees ace could likely enter free agency due to an early exit clause planted in his contract. Moreover, Cole has been hypothetically linked to city rivals in case a switch were to happen.
New York Mets Listed As Top Suitor For Gerrit Cole
The possibility of Gerrit Cole, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, leaving the New York Yankees in 2025 has become a hot topic as free agency looms. Cole has an opt-out clause in his contract, which allows him to enter free agency after the fifth year. However, the Yanks also has the power to overrule the move by adding an additional year for $30 million. That being said, the upcoming free agency is tricky for Yanks as they are also frontrunners in the Juan Soto sweepstakes, which could cost them anywhere around $500 million. Hence, it’s likely that the Yanks allow Cole to leave for the sake of Soto. Meanwhile, in a scenario where Gerrit Cole does end up leaving the Bronx in 2025, Kerry Miller of Bleacher Reports linked the New York Mets as a top suitor for the ace.
The Mets are known for their aggressive approach to free agency, especially under owner Steve Cohen, who has demonstrated a willingness to spend big to build a championship-caliber team. Adding Gerrit Cole, one of the best pitchers in baseball, would significantly bolster their rotation. Of course, the Mets will also be active in the Juan Soto sweepstakes. However, for Cohen, signing two big names is completely normal, as he spent half a billion dollars on payroll last year. He does not fear the luxury tax rule coined after his name. Hence, the Mets have the financial flexibility to offer a lucrative contract to Cole, making a serious play for his services in free agency. While Cole has often expressed his commitment to the Yankees, there are reasons he might consider leaving. The Yanks’ postseason disappointments could push Cole to seek a fresh start with a championship-caliber team.
Juan Soto Happy At Yankees Amid Looming Free Agency
The top priority for the New York Yankees in 2025 free-agency will be to secure Juan Soto. The impending free agent is in the midst of a career-best season and is likely to fetch a $500 million contract. Amid future uncertainty, Soto hinted at his loyalty towards the Bronx.
In a latest interview, Juan Soto revealed that he is happy being a Yankee and his performance is a clear reflection on his comfort with the team. However, Soto is still open to have conversations with any team who wishes to sign him. He is unlikely to accept a mid-season extension contract from Yankees.
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