In a move that has sent shockwaves through the MLB community, New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole has decided to exercise his opt-out clause following the Yankees’ recent World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 34-year-old Ace, who battled nerve irritation and elbow problems early in the season, rebounded strongly and delivered a solid postseason, allowing just one earned run in 12 ⅔ innings in the World Series. Despite Cole’s contributions, the Yankees failed to advance past the championship series, losing to the Dodgers, and Cole’s decision now raises questions about his future in the stripe.
Cole’s opt-out leaves the Yankees with a risky choice: either extend his contract with a $36 million bonus through 2029 or allow him to explore free agency. Originally signed in 2020 to a nine-year, $324 million contract, Cole has four years and $144 million remaining. But with elite pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, Max Fried and Jack Flaherty potentially available this offseason, the Yankees could have options if they decide not to reinvest in their ace.
While Cole’s regular-season performance was solid – with an 8-5 record, a 3.41 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 95 innings over 17 starts – it was his efforts in the postseason that underscored his value to the Yankees. Known for his durability and control, he allowed two or fewer runs in 12 of his starts this season. However, a costly mistake in Game 5 of the World Series highlighted the risks of relying long-term on a 34-year-old ace. Cole’s failure to cover first base on a crucial ground ball from Mookie Betts allowed the Dodgers to come back from a 5–0 deficit, a mistake that, along with Aaron Judge’s missed catch and other errors, sealed the Yankees’ fate.
In his time with the New York Yankees, Cole maintained an impressive record of 59-28 with a 3.12 ERA and 915 strikeouts in 759 innings. His leadership and consistency have strengthened the Yankees’ rotation, but questions remain as to whether he can sustain Ace-level performance as he approaches his late 30s.
What’s next: extension or renewal?
As the Yankees weigh their options, the decision will ultimately come down to balancing Cole’s proven value with the financial and physical realities of signing him until age 38. An extension for Cole could solidify the team’s rotation and send a message about the Yankees’ commitment to a title run in 2025. But with Sunday’s deadline approaching, the Yankees face a crucial choice – one that will define their pitching strategy and ambitions for seasons to come.
Sources for this article include: official MLB reports, Gerrit Cole’s statements in the postseason press conference.
