Yankees Reportedly Have No Info From Gerrit Cole or His Agent to Indicate He Prefers West Coast

If you believe the narrative that seems to have been spun out of nothing, born from nowhere, then free agent pitcher Gerrit Cole would prefer to make his new home his old home. "Industry speculation" for months has seen him landing on the west coast in their projections, often with his hometown Angels.

But as their pursuit (which actually seems realistic and dogged) begins, the Yankees haven't heard anything of the sort from Cole, his agent Scott Boras, or anyone else involved.

Unlike the word on the street in 2018 with regards to Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, it seems like the Yankees believe they have a chance to win this one.

There is a general industry perception that Gerrit Cole prefers the west coast, but the Yankees don’t have any specific information from the agent or player to indicate he would choose California over Bronx. They’re still in.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) November 26, 2019

We're looking at pretty much the exact opposite of last year's Machado chase this time around, aren't we? Last winter, the Yankees were the "consensus favorite" unless you wanted to listen to...everyone in the know. The front office gave off no strong signals, and neither did the player's camp. Those involved were adamant New York would only pursue Machado if he fell into their laps.

This time, the internet's prognosticators have sent Cole west already, but the Yankees are quietly laying signals that they believe they have a chance, and intend to flex their financial might a bit.

CC rolling up to Gerrit Cole to tell him how lit signing with the Yankees is. pic.twitter.com/1HenjalfPW
— Erin ❄️ (@erinnmarieeg) November 26, 2019

Let's see if the insiders have this one pegged.