MLB Rumors: Superstar Staying With Yankees After Opt-Out

The New York Yankees had a momentary period to consider what the future may look like without their ace. Instead, Gerrit Cole is staying put.

Cole and the Yankees reportedly came to an agreement for the starting pitcher to play out the remaining four years and $144 million on his contract with the door open to an extension, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan and the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. This comes after Cole exercised the opt-out in his original contract.

Cole got his fair share of terrible luck in his Game 5 start in the World Series when the Yankees crumbled behind him in a disastrous fifth inning. The Los Angeles Dodgers rallied to win the game and close out the series in five games for the franchise’s eighth World Series title.

The 2023 American League Cy Young award winner posted a 3.41 ERA in 2024 after injuries caused a delayed start to his season, where he made just 17 starts. Cole finished his fifth season in the American League East, which includes a 5-5 record and a 5.87 ERA in 14 starts against the Boston Red Sox.

Cole’s decision answered one of several questions ahead for the Yankees, particularly regarding the uncertain future of free agent slugger Juan Soto.