The New York Yankees’ top priority at the 2025 free-agency will be to secure generational star, Juan Soto. The 25-year-old is expected to fetch one of the most expensive contracts in MLB, and the Yanks, despite facing payroll issues, are front-runners for a potential extension.
However, Juan Soto isn’t the only piece of the puzzle for the New York Yankees. A lot of contracts are set to expire next off-season, with some becoming eligible to exercise opt-outs, including the team’s ace starting pitcher. And MLB insider Jon Heyman had an interesting prediction about the same.
Jon Heyman Confident Of Gerrit Cole Staying At Yankees Beyond 2024 Season!
Reigning AL CY Young pitcher Gerrit Cole, who signed a nine-year, $324 million contract with the New York Yankees in 2019, is widely being touted as one of the most consistent and durable starting pitchers in the league. Even in a season where the Yanks have faced their share of challenges, Cole has continued to deliver, showing why he is worth every penny of his record-setting contract. However, this season has been far from ideal, as the ace went through an elbow injury to mark a delayed season debut. His return was also shaky. Still, the club rated him highly and showed a vote of confidence. That being said, Cole’s future at the billion-dollar club is uncertain, given his contract situation.
Gerrit Cole will complete five years of his nine-year extension contract this year. As per a preset clause, the ace pitcher is allowed to opt out in 2025 free agency. However, the New York Yankees can forfeit the opt-out by adding an extra year to the contract, thus making it a 10-year deal. Hence, Jon Heyman of the NY Post believes the Bronx Bombers will retain Cole by hook or by crook. If that means adding an extra year to his deal, so be it. Amid a shortage of quality pitching options on the market, it’s imperative for the Yanks to secure the best pitchers out there. Additionally, the Yankees’ front office values Cole not just for his on-field contributions but also for his leadership in the clubhouse. As one of the most respected players on the roster, Cole’s influence extends beyond his starts, providing guidance to younger pitchers and setting a standard of excellence.
MLB Experts Massive Free Agency Deal For Juan Soto
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees might lose its impactful slugger Juan Soto in next free agency. The generational star arrived in Bronx on a one-year guarantee and is expected to hit the market in 2025. Meanwhile, Jon Heyman polled 13 MLB experts to get their opinion on Soto’s probable contract value and the results were staggering.
The range began from $500 million to scale close to $550 million. Some experts also touted Juan Soto to surpass the likes of Mike Trot and Shohei Ohtani’s contract value. If this scenario hold true in reality, the New York Yankees will land in big trouble due to lack of such enormous space on the annual payroll.
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