Previously Unreported Crazy Detail Emerges About Gerrit Cole's Monster Yankees Contract
By Mark Powell
Gerrit Cole is officially a New York Yankee, and other American League contenders can only run and hide behind their *modest* free agent signings. Meanwhile, Brian Cashman and Co. are busy wining and dining Cole around Manhattan, as if showing off their favorite Christmas present far before Père Noël ever shows up.
Get used to Cole in Pinstripes, too. While his contract does include a fifth-year opt-out, the Yankees have the ultimate counter, should they wish to employ it.
Previously unreported detail in Gerrit Cole’s contract: If he opts out after fifth year, NYY may void opt-out and extend contract one more year for $36M. That would increase value of deal to 10 years, $360M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 18, 2019
This is -- and we won't put it lightly -- perhaps the second-most important detail in Cole's contract behind the overall financial hit to the Yankees. Cole is still just 29 years of age; while his value could deteriorate by the time he's 34, should he put up some impressive seasons and hope to test his market, that simply won't be possible unless the Yankees choose to punt on his services.
Today, the Yankees announced they have signed RHP Gerrit Cole to a 9-year contract extending through the 2028 season with a player opt-out following the 2024 season.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) December 18, 2019
To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Chance Adams has been DFA’d.
While it's odd to think exactly what Cole will make of himself five years down the line, the Yankees are one step ahead, always planning for the future.
New York's path to contention in the immediate future goes squarely through Cole, and his success leading a rotation in desperate need of a spear-head. Should the righty wish to go elsewhere, however, it'll have to be on the Yankees' terms.