Earlier this week, the Yankees secured the best pitcher in baseball for the next 9 years. Gerrit Cole, the California native, decided to forego an opportunity to play for the Dodgers, Angels, and Padres to instead join the “Chase for 28.”
The signing sent Yankees’ Universe buzzing, as The Bronx Bombers have now emerged as one of the hefty favorites to make a deep run into October.
Cole, 29 signed what will likely be his final big league contract and it did not disappoint, 9yrs/$324 mil, the largest AAV (average annual value) in MLB history. Cole’s recent numbers definitely reflect that he deserves the extraordinary compensation.
The Astros’ ace posted a combined record of 35-10 over the course of his two seasons in Houston. Cole started his 2019 campaign with a 4-5 record, before completing the regular season at 20-5. The team enjoyed much success when Cole took the mound, as Houston has not endured a loss in 25 straight Cole starts.
Cole’s presence is enormous for a Yankee rotation with many question marks. Not only does his arrival give the Yanks the bonafide ace that they have been looking for, it also pushes everyone in the current rotation back a position. The team will likely head into next season with 1. Cole 2. Sevy 3. Paxton 4. Tanaka 5. Loaisaga/Happ/Monty/Garcia. Although the fifth slot is currently undecided, any rotation with Masahiro Tanaka as the 4th starter is destined for October baseball.
In some ways, the Cole signing does handcuff the Yankees for years to come, similar to the likes of A Rod or currently Giancarlo Stanton. However, this move puts the Yankees over the top and definitely makes them that much better on paper than any team in baseball, without many other moves needing to be made.
GM Brian Cashman did say goodbye to fan favorite SS Didi Gregorius. Didi agreed to terms with the Phillies on a 1yr/$14 mil deal. While Gregorius was a productive player during his 5 year tenure in The Bronx, his departure will most likely be handled within the organization.
Gleyber Torres played games at SS last season while DIdi was sidelined after Tommy John surgery. DJ Lemahieu will likely move back to his natural position of 2B, with Mike Ford, Luke Voit and possibly even Miguel Andujar platooning first. Rumors have been flying around of Cashman targeting Indians’ SS Francisco Lindor, which seem unlikely as the Indian’s asking price would be too high. Cashman will likely try to trade/sign a relief pitcher or another starter to further bolster the rotation.
Nevertheless, even if the roster stays as it currently is, the Yankees will look to end their WS drought, a journey which begins with giving the ball to Gerrit Cole on March 26th against the Orioles for opening day 2020.
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