The New York Yankees’ inability to win a World Series championship is sending waves of concern amongst the fans. Some believe that superstar players could seek an exit owing to the team’s lost charm and unprecedented downfall. As of now, the team has Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole, who fall in the group of superstars.
Aaron Judge is unlikely to leave anytime soon as he feels a sense of responsibility towards the franchise to accomplish unfinished business. Also, the additional duties of captaincy will keep Judge in the Bronx for the foreseeable future. However, Gerrit Cole’s future remains uncertain as the ace pitcher approaches a crucial juncture of his existing contract with the Yankees.
Will Gerrit Cole Opt Out Of Yankees Contract To Explore Free Agency?
Since joining the Yankees in 2020 with a historic nine-year, $324 million contract, Gerrit Cole has been nothing short of a pitching phenom. He won his career-first CY Young Award in 2023 while his team fell short of postseason qualification. Regardless, the ace still remains one of the key figures on the roster. However, rumors have it that the pitcher could part ways with the Bronx Bombers at the end of the 2024 season. He has an opt-out clause in his existing contract, which allows him to do so. Having said that, the exit won’t be a simple process. If Cole at all feels the Yanks are unworthy, the franchise has an option to override his opt-out choice.
The Yankees can do that by adding an extra year to his contract for the same annual salary, thus making it a 10-year deal. That being said, Gerrit Cole’s situation could get more complex as days pass by. In 2024, his responsibilities will double in size as the front office depleted the pitching depth to acquire Juan Soto. At the same time, Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s addition is still uncertain. Thus, Cole will be required to stay on his toes in the 2024 season itself. It is plausible that he fails to find support just like last time. How the ace tackles this difficult situation remains to be seen. But one thing is certain, the 2024 season outcome will shape Gerrit Cole’s opinion on his future in the Bronx.
Hal Steinbrenner And Co. To Meet Yoshinobu Yamamoto This Week!
As the deadline to sign with an MLB team inches closer, Yoshinobu Yamamoto has sped up his negotiation process. He is in the USA and will meet the interested team accordingly. The first ones on the list would be the New York Yankees. Businessman owner Hal Steinbrenner and the rest of the Yankee leadership will fly to Los Angeles to meet the ace in person.
Moreover, if Andy Martino of the SNY is believed, the Yankees are in a good position in Yamamoto’s pursuit. They have the money, history, and persuasion skills required to break someone like Yamamoto. Not only that, Steinbrenner is reportedly willing to extend payroll beyond $300 million if required to land the Japanese ace this off-season.
