Gerrit Cole’s Future with the Yankees Hangs in the Balance as World Series Begins

As the New York Yankees prepare to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 World Series, significant attention is focused on the future of their ace pitcher, Gerrit Cole. Cole, who is set to start Game 1 of the series, has been a cornerstone of the Yankees’ pitching staff since signing a nine-year, $324 million contract in 2020. However, his current contract includes a $36 million player option for the 2025 season, which he is expected to opt out of, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman.

Cole’s performance this season has been marked by both excellence and challenges. After missing the first 75 games due to right elbow inflammation, he returned to pitch 95 innings, significantly fewer than his usual 200-plus innings in previous years. Despite this, he finished the regular season with an 8-5 record, a 3.41 ERA, and 99 strikeouts. In his final 10 starts, Cole was particularly impressive, allowing a .182 batting average and posting a 2.25 ERA along with a 61-17 K-BB ratio.

In the postseason, Cole has had mixed results. While he struggled in his first start against the Kansas City Royals, allowing four runs and nine base runners across five innings, he improved in subsequent starts, holding the Royals and Cleveland Guardians to three earned runs across 11.1 innings. His postseason record stands at 11-6 with a 2.98 ERA in 20 starts, highlighting his reputation as a big-game pitcher.

The decision to opt out of his contract is seen as a strategic move by Cole to force the Yankees’ hand. If he opts out, the Yankees have the option to add a 10th year to his contract valued at $36 million, extending his deal through his age-38 season and increasing the total value to 10 years and $360 million. This move is expected to be taken by the Yankees, given Cole’s importance to the team and the uncertainty of whether he could secure a similar deal on the open market at his age.

As Cole takes the mound for Game 1 of the World Series, he is not only pitching for the Yankees’ championship hopes but also for his own legacy. Despite being on a Hall of Fame track and having won the AL Cy Young Award, Cole has yet to win a World Series. This series against the Dodgers, with their formidable lineup, presents a significant challenge and an opportunity for Cole to prove his value once again.