Gerrit Cole Reportedly Assured Yankees He Isn't Favoring West Coast During Tuesday's Meeting
By Karl Rasmussen
The Yankees are hoping to land the top prize on the free agent market in Gerrit Cole, but there's long been reason to believe that the former Astros star had been keen on a move to the West Coast.
Well, after meeting with the Yankees on Tuesday, Cole apparently reassured the team that he has no such bias, according to Jon Heyman.
Gerrit Cole assured the Yankees he has “no West Coast bias” at yesterday’s meeting which lasted 4 plus hours. Yankees believe he’s built for NYC but have been worried he preferred LA. No word yet on today’s meeting with Stephen Strasburg.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 5, 2019
Heyman reported that the meeting last nearly four hours, as the Yankees are clearly not being shy with their pitch to the star right-hander.
Cole, who grew up in Newport Beach, Calif., has been linked with a move back home, particularly to the Angels or Dodgers. While the Yankees have always been considered players in the sweepstakes for the 29-year-old, his assurance to the team during Tuesday's meeting should have fans buzzing with excitement.
The Yankees are reportedly having their Winter Meetings early, per @Ken_Rosenthal. https://t.co/SoKRMK0UMx pic.twitter.com/gYUXyGVcVE
— MLB (@MLB) December 3, 2019
It in no way means that Cole will sign for the Yankees, but the fact that he's claiming not to be more inclined to ink a deal on the West Coast is incredibly encouraging.
The Yankees also met with California native Stephen Strasburg on Wednesday, as Brian Cashman and Co. are determined not to strikeout in the starting pitching market this winter.