The off-season is starting to get interesting, and it starts with Gerrit Cole shaking things up. The New York Yankees’ ace has opted out of his massive contract of $324 million, leaving four years on the table. But let’s not get too excited—because New York possibly wouldn’t let their ace walk away just so easily. To keep him in pinstripes, though, the Yankee would have to add in another year, which is another $36 million to the contract. If the team overrides this opt-out, Cole would bring home a stunning $180 million over the next five years.

However, will the Yanks do this? The season hasn’t been exactly smooth sailing for the 34-year-old. He pitched in just 17 regular-season games because he was in a 60-day IL after an elbow inflammation. But he did come back strong and take the privileged mound of the World Series. However, that ended in heartbreak for the pinstriped team. But here is when things get interesting—MLB insider John Heyman thinks that there is a chance that the Yankees might let Cole go. This is getting more interesting than you’d think it would.

Will the Yankees bet on Gerrit Cole?

John Heyman put the Juan Soto angle in the picture. According to the insider, the Yankees can decide not to spend the additional money on Cole. Because for him, the team can save those extra dollars to spend on Juan Soto. Now we all know that to get Soto, one needs bigger pockets. If sources are to be believed, then $500 million is for sure. But now this theory has loopholes.

Firstly, yes, Juan Soto is a great addition to the team, and he has performed to the clutch in the World Series. But is risking all others just to retain him practical? Secondly, Soto has mentioned that he is ‘open to listening to every single team.’ Hence, the risk factor is increased to a manifold. Moreover, many players like Gleyber Torres and Alex Verdugo are already going free agency this winter. Gerrit Cole’s ERA is 3.41 in 95 regular season innings and 2.17 in 29 postseason innings. According to ESPN, the New York Yankees have until 5 pm on Monday to decide whether they want to go ahead with the contract restructuring.

The Yankees opt out of Anthony Rizzo

The New York Yankees, off to the postseason after a poor run at the World Series, have already started to make changes. Firstly, they have decided to decline the 2025 option of their first baseman, Anthony Rizzo. The infielder had signed a contract for $34 million with the Yanks in 2022. Plus, he had a $17 million option to extend to 2025. But the Yankees have declined, making Rizzo a free agent. But was the Yankee’s decision out of nowhere? Not exactly!

So the 35-year-old has been riddled with injuries, not to mention his age is also a factor. His season was disrupted by his fracture to the forearm. Then he broke his fingers late in the season. And in total, it limited him to just 92 games. He has only eight home runs and a .636 OPS—the lowest in his career. Hence, it’s no surprise that he has gone free-agent. Plus, the Juan Soto angle plays here too. $17 million isn’t inexpensive for a player who is struggling to keep up with his health. If Rizzo is up to discuss a more friendly deal with the team, the Yankees might reconsider. He brings that veteran leadership to a rather young roster. But for now, he is a free agent.

As for the New York Yankees, even the decisions on where to save or splurge matter a lot. These could define how the next season could go for the team and perhaps their championship run again. Do you think they will save it all for Soto? Let us know!