Gerrit Cole’s free-agent market is coming into focus following the signing of Stephen Strasburg. Cole is increasingly likely to sign this week.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the market for Gerrit Cole is heating up quickly.
Source: Gerrit Cole is increasingly likely to sign during this week’s winter meetings. His market is developing quickly, the source said, with the Strasburg signing giving further clarity. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 9, 2019
Morosi reported that it’s becoming likely that by this time next week, baseball fans will know where Cole will be pitching in 2020.
Since Stephen Strasburg is now off the market, Cole is the undisputed best pitcher available. All signs point to him receiving offers in the stratosphere as well.
Strasburg’s contract matched that of the New York Yankees initial offer to Cole, which will clearly have to be significantly increased. Rumors have floated throughout the Winter Meetings that Cole is expected to sign in the eight-year, $280 million range.
Could Cole really sign for $280 million? ??? https://t.co/DHMPV2nwCX
— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) December 9, 2019
This offseason has been vastly different from the last two. The top names on the market are signing early and for huge money. Many fans were mentally preparing themselves for another Manny Machado situation. The months of uncertainty and insanity that coincide with that free agency timeline are tiring and boring.
But things are different this year. It’s early December and some of the top names are off the market. The top pitcher in baseball wants to sign before Christmas. Strasburg set a record for a pitcher’s free-agent contract and Cole will certainly top it.
Scott Boras predicted that this year’s winter meetings would be “fast and furious,” and it looks like he was right.
Scott Boras: “If the Winter Meetings were given a movie title ….2018 Winter Meetings: “Slow Burn”……2019 Winter Meetings: “Fast and Furious”
Get your seat belts on everyone.@MLBNetworkRadio@CBSSportsHQ
@TheAtheltic— Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) December 8, 2019
Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman will need to move quickly and decisively if he wants Cole. He’ll likely have to pull the trigger on the biggest pitching contract of all time if they want to lock down Gerrit Cole.
