USA Today via Reuters
Sep 29, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws a pitch against Toronto Blue Jay in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 29, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws a pitch against Toronto Blue Jay in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
New York Yankees went above their limits to secure their star Gerrit Cole back in 2020. Notably, with their deal, Cole became the highest-paid Yankees player in history.
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While Cole couldn’t produce his best performance in 2021, fans have high expectations from him in the future. However, they are also slightly worried about one clause in his contract with Yankees.
Gerrit Cole’s contract has an opt-out clause
During the closing of the 2020 season, the Yankees were eager to sign Cole. History is proof, if Yankees are determined to acquire a player, they break contract records to sign him. Notably, they did the same with Cole as well. The pinstripe team signed Cole for a whopping $324 million dollar deal for nine years. Cole has a $36 million average annual salary.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 5, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of the American League Wildcard game at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
However, what’s notable is the clause that gives Cole the option to opt out after the 2024 season. If Cole does so, he would enter the free agency. Although there is time until Cole starts thinking about it (if he wants to), Yankees fans have got themselves already worried.
Weighing the possibility of Gerrit Cole leaving the New York Yankees
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Undeniably, Cole has a huge deal on his side, earning one of the highest average annual salaries. Cole is already 31; however, age is not a defining factor as his skills are top-notch. But, when it comes to free agency, there is a chance teams might not be willing to give a long-term deal to 35-year-old Cole in 2025.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 5, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) walks to the dugout after being pulled against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning of the American League Wildcard game at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Leaving age factors and free agency economics aside, how Cole’s next four years play with Yankees, would be the main determining factor for the star. If Cole successfully delivers the performance he was brought in for, he might stick with the team. It’s too soon to even imagine Cole opting out of Yankees; however, a positive outlook can be taken by predicting the records he can break in the upcoming seasons.
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