New York Yankees’ ace pitcher, Gerrit Cole, signed a nine-year contract for $324 million with an opt-out option post the 2024 season.
Gerrit Cole changed the perspective of the league towards the pitcher after his monumental contract extension sign-in with the New York Yankees. The record-breaking deal left a deep impact on the outlook of the teams toward pitchers in free agency. Moreover, the market for ace pitchers grew significantly in the following years.
Cole is a star pitcher for the New York Yankees who signed a record-breaking nine-year, $324 million contract ahead of the 2020 season. The contract includes an opt-out clause after the 2024 season, which means Cole can choose to become a free agent and seek a new contract with another team if he so desires. However, will the pitcher be willing to take such a step in the midst of a successful run with the Yankees?
Gerrit Cole Responds To Contract Opt-Out Rumors
New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole is all set to enter his fourth season of the nine-year contract. A clause in the contract states that the pitcher is free to opt out and enter free agency by will after the 2024 season. Meanwhile, Cole, who will turn 35 in 2024, has drawn a comparison from Jacob deGrom, who originally opted out of his contract with the Texas Rangers at the same age of 35. Further, rumors have it that Cole might follow in Jacob’s footsteps in the coming years.
However, Gerrit Cole, the man himself, squashed the rumors and said it had never crossed his mind just yet. He further acknowledged that he and his manager asked for the induction of the clause after mindful thinking, and it was a mutual decision with the team fully on board with it. Regardless, the pitcher feels 2024 is still a long way, and he has not yet started to calculate the possibilities of an opt-out. Lastly, Cole concluded by saying he would make a decision at the right time, considering the circumstances and his family’s will. To summarize, Cole did not rule out the possibility of him exercising the opt-out clause. It’s just not the right time for him to scratch his head over it.
Pressure On Cole After Carlos Rodon’s Unfortunate Injury
Meanwhile, Gerrit Cole will be looking forward to the 2023 season with a tense look on his face. He has been named the starter of the New York Yankees for the opening-day clash against the San Francisco Giants. However, Cole has lost his second starter, Carlos Rodon, to a forearm injury. Rodon was brought in to shed some load off Gerrit in the pitching rotation.
However, with the injury, Rodon will likely miss the opening day and a few weeks beyond. Hence, Cole will once again feel added responsibilities and pressure on his shoulder. Last season, the team suffered massively due to a lack of starters in the postseason. Further, it seems the Yanks will face a similar problem a little too early in the season.
