By Miguel Rapetti
Sep 21, 2024, 9:48 PM EDT
The reigning American League Cy Young, Gerrit Cole, had a tough time in 2004 with a long injury from which he only returned almost halfway through the season, but now, the right-hander could say goodbye to the New York Yankees and cross over to their bitter rival Boston Red Sox if he decides to enter free agency in 2025.
According to a recent report from Bleacher Report, Gerrit Cole could explore free agency in 2025 through the opt-out clause in his contract, which would allow Boston to offer a large multi-year contract that sends the pitcher directly to Fenway Park.
Although the Yankees could block Cole’s intentions by adding one more year to the contract agreed to in 2019 for $36 million, the decision seems complicated considering that the Mules’ priority in the offseason market will be to obtain the services of Juan Soto.
The Dominican, who is wanted by several teams such as San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Mets, could remain in New York but in exchange for at least $560 million dollars and 14 years.
The information about Cole’s possible withdrawal from the Yankees had already been announced days ago by MLB journalist Jeff Passan, through a message on social media.
“Returning from an elbow injury and pitching well, Cole also figures to hit free agency this winter with a strong expectation that he will opt out of the final four years and $144 million of his nine-year, $324 million contract with the New York Yankees,” Passan’s report read.
It would be vital for the Red Sox to have a piece like Cole in their rotation, taking into account two disastrous years in terms of results and having Tanner Houck as the only reliable piece in the Red Sox bullpen.
The issue of Juan Soto’s attempt to sign in the 2025 free agency, as well as the heavy investment the Yankees made in signing Aaron Judge at the beginning of 2024, will be key to knowing if the Yankees will be able to pay the $36 million dollars that will allow them to keep the six-time All-Star Game member.
Continue reading:
- Report: Gerrit Cole could opt out of Yankees contract
- $560 million: The offer that the Yankees would offer Juan Soto
- Controversy in New York: Gerrit Cole gave an intentional walk with empty bases to Rafael Devers