Yankees posed with $36 million question as ace Gerrit Cole opts out of contract 

Yankees ace pitcher Gerrit Cole opts out of contract following World Series finale between NY and LA Dodgers.

Yankees posed with $36 million question as ace Gerrit Cole opts out of contract 

Gerrit Cole [Image Credit: Imago]

New York Yankees ace pitcher Gerrit Cole surprised the MLB world with his contract opt-out decision on Saturday. In the early 2024 season run, the 34-year-old could not perform until June due to nerve irritation and edema in his pitching elbow.

While his regular season and postseason run was good if not better, Cole delivered an ace performance in the World Series game. He held the 2024 Champions with one earned run and eight hits in 12 ⅔ innings. 

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However, his opt-out decision puts a question mark on the NY Yankees, who can either let him go into free agency or tie him to the Bronx with a $36 million deal. Currently, he has $144 million and 4 years left in his 9-year $324 million contract with the Pinstripes.

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The team can add another $36 million for an additional year and keep the ace from hitting free agency or go for pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Jack Flaherty. Nevertheless, a decision should be made by Sunday evening. In the World Series post-conference, Cole said he tried everything in his power but it’s unfortunate that he could not boost the team to victory.

I gave it everything I had. I’ll be frustrated, like every time you have a tough loss and you use it to motivate you. But it’s all out there. There’s nothing a whole lot more that I could do.

Gerrit Cole as per Bryan Hoch of MLB.

If Cole remains signed with the Yankees, he’ll remain with the Bombers through the 2029 season until he turns 38. However, his 2024 performance has many questioned if he can still pitch at 100% in his late 30s.

Social media reacts to Gerrit Cole’s opt-out decision

In the regular season, Gerrit Cole participated in 17 starts posting an 8-5 record, 3.41 ERA, and 99 strikeouts in over 95 innings. Even in those 17 starts, he only allowed two or even fewer runs in 12.

Gerrit Cole [Image Credit: Imago]
Gerrit Cole [Image Credit: Imago]

However, his costly mistake during Game 5 of the World Series prompted the Los Angeles Dodgers to overcome a 5-0 deficit and snatch the Championship victory. During the game, he failed to cover first base on a Mookie Betts ground ball to Anthony Rizzo.

This incident scarred the Yankees in their epic downfall along with Aaron Judge’s failed catch, and several miscues made by the team. During his stint with the NY Yankees, Cole recorded a 59-28 record with a 3.12 ERA and 915 strikeouts in 759 innings with the Bombers.