Yankees Make Gerrit Cole Deal Official and Clear Roster Spot With Chance Adams DFA
By Michael Luciano
Someone had to be the odd man out as the New York Yankees signed Gerrit Cole to a nine-year, $324 million deal, and Chance Adams was the unfortunate soul that lost his roster spot as a result.
While many anticipated a major move or trade ahead of the deadline, Adams was designated for assignment in order to make room for Cole on the 40-man roster.
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.
Adams was once hailed as the best pitching prospect in the Yankees farm system, as he went 28-6 with a 2.39 ERA over the 2016 and 2017 seasons. His MLB career, however, was much rougher sailing.
Adams struggled when he lost velocity on his fastball following shoulder issues, and failed to master a second pitch that could get big league hitters out. He posted a 8.16 ERA in the big leagues, giving up 30 runs in 33 innings while surrendering 10 home runs.
After a string of poor performances last year, most Yankees fans won't be sad to see him go.
Chance Adams went from being touted as the organization’s top arm just a few years ago to being DFA’d. Wouldn’t be surprised if he returns after clearing waivers
— Dan Federico (@DanJFederico) December 18, 2019
The jump from Triple-A to the majors is a cavernous one, and dozens of star prospects fail to cross that divide. Adams just wasn't cutting it at the big league level, and his days as a Yankee might be numbered.
There remains a chance he clears waivers and returns to the system, however.