First Photos Emerge of Gerrit Cole Arriving in New York City Ahead of Yankees Introduction
By Adam Weinrib
The Yankees may need to clear two 40-man roster spots before they can officially announce the signings of Gerrit Cole and Brett Gardner, but it appears as if they're almost ready to roll.
With rumors abounding Cole's time in New York would officially kick off this week with an introductory press conference, the man himself was spotted at a midtown hotel early Monday.
Gerrit Cole arriving in NYC. Looks thrilled about the paparazzi. pic.twitter.com/I1msFS91Rf
— Rich (@RAKcity27) December 16, 2019
Great leather jacket. Great logo-less hat. Not an incredible smile, but we'll work on that.
Gerrit Cole was seen in New York today, and the NY Post is implying his introductory press conference will be tomorrow. #Yankees https://t.co/Luev0hthz4
— Pinstripe Point of View ⚾️ (@PinstripePOV) December 16, 2019
No update yet on a potential makeover for Cole, either. He's looking very much like his 2019 Astros self, and we'll still have to wait to see what wildness is coming with a clean shave. That'll wait for a 40-man move, too, we'd assume.
You asked for it, so here you go?♂️ pic.twitter.com/RMHxkexuS7
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 11, 2019
So now, we wait. It's safe to assume Cole is en route to the stadium at some point on Monday. After all, Brian Cashman probably needs his creative input in offloading JA Happ (half-kidding).
Gerrit Cole’s introductory press conference, which is pending a physical exam, is more likely to happen next week.
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) December 11, 2019
Aaron Boone on how Cole will handle NYC: “I think he’ll thrive.”
Let the rumor mill continue to swirl about his long-awaited intro, but with the righty's arrival, we at least have some semblance of an end in sight.
No sighting of Brett Gardner's beautiful, bald head, though.