In meeting with the New York Yankees on Tuesday, free-agent pitcher Gerrit Cole reassured the Bronx Bombers regarding his stance on relocation.
So far this offseason, the New York Yankees have been heavily pursuing free-agent pitcher Gerrit Cole. The Yankees have also just received very encouraging news about their chances of landing the marquee All-Star pitcher.
During the Yankees four-plus hour visit with Cole, the 29-year-old reportedly provided some clarity regarding the rumors of his potential stance of remaining on the West Coast.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the highly touted free-agent pitcher stated to the Yankees’ brass that those apparent rumors are untrue.
Gerrit Cole assured the Yankees he has “no West Coast bias” at yesterday’s meeting which lasted 4 plus hours. Yankees believe he’s built for NYC but have been worried he preferred LA. No word yet on today’s meeting with Stephen Strasburg.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 5, 2019
Prior to hearing these comments from Cole, general manager Brian Cashman and his staff were concerned about losing out on the former Astros pitcher to one of the two Los Angeles teams. Thankfully, for the Yankees, for now, their team appears to remain in the sweepstakes for Cole’s services.
Additionally, Joel Sherman of the New York Post is reporting that in addition to Cashman, manager Aaron Boone and newly hired pitching coach Matt Blake were among who attended the meeting with Cole.
Sherman also notes that the California native will very likely receive the largest pitching contract in league history, which would exceed $250 million. A record-breaking amount that the Yankees are surely able to afford this winter.
Cole, who the Yankees have missed out on during two previous occasions, likely still prefers to stay in Los Angeles, rather than coming to the east coast. However, this recent development is very encouraging news for the Yankees.
Not only do they remain as one of the favorites to sign Cole, but they have also just received reassurance from the 2019 AL Cy Young runner-up about their chances of prying him away from La La Land as well.
While we’re likely still many weeks, possibly months, away from witnessing which team Cole will ultimately sign with this offseason. The Yankees came away from their meeting with Cole with a better understanding of what it’ll take to see him in pinstripes next season.
