Gerrit Cole Reportedly Considers the Giants a 'Desirable Destination'
Up until Tuesday, the Gerrit Cole sweepstakes looked like a three-team race between the Yankees, Angels and Dodgers.
But according to Jon Heyman, there's apparently a fourth undisclosed team going after the 29-year-old free agent.
Hear there’s a mystery team on Cole. Hard to imagine anyone thinks they are coming in late and outbidding the Yankees and 2 LA teams (even if one’s in Anaheim). No idea the identity of said team, but that’s why it’s a mystery.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2019
In response to this, Henry Schulman insinuated that Cole considers the Giants a 'desirable location', per multiple sources of his. Could San Francisco be the mystery team?
Before you @ me, I think Cole will be a Yankee or Angel. That said, I reiterate that I’ve heard from two sources — non-Boras-related — that Cole considers #sfgiants a desirable destination. I have no idea if Zaidi and Boras have had a two-way conversation on this. Just saying. https://t.co/WQhvKqajkJ
— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) December 10, 2019
The possibility that Cole signs with the them shouldn't be completely written off, especially if the Calif. native wants to come home, and is simply keeping his options open as to which Golden State team he chooses to sign with.
Giants president Farhan Zaidi previously said the team will try and be more active this offseason. A swing for the fences to bring in a name like Cole would be surprising, though, given the overall direction of the squad. For example, they just let Kevin Pillar, one of their best bats, walk.
Farhan Zaidi said Giants will be more active than they were last Winter Meetings, could add a starting pitcher this week. Adding to rotation is a priority. Also would like lefty-hitting infielder and right-handed outfielder.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) December 10, 2019
San Francisco has also shown no desire in re-signing former World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner. Does this mean they're trying to go after Cole instead?
MadBum reportedly wants to stay in SF, but the Giants have "shown no inclination to keep him." ?https://t.co/KtXtS6i6Su pic.twitter.com/nmyjUcmhFa
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) December 4, 2019
While it still feels like a long-shot that Cole goes to the Giants, these new developments are worth taking note of.