Gerrit Cole Is a New York Yankee

In 2001, Gerrit Cole was at Yankee Stadium, cheering on his favorite team against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the World Series.

(2001) 11-year-old Gerrit Cole with a “Yankee Fan Today, Tomorrow, Forever” sign at the World Series.
Timeless. ? pic.twitter.com/Hslq0sLWq7
— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) December 11, 2019

On December 10th, 2019, Gerrit Cole was signed by the New York Yankees to a nine-year, $324 million deal. Cole achieved a childhood dream, and the Yankees got their man.

The Yankees missed out on trading for Cole in the 2017 offseason, as their offer was not enough for the Pirates, but the Houston Astros’ offer was.

But, that does not matter. He’s a Yankee now.

Gerrit Cole had an absolutely stellar season. Cole led the American League in ERA with 2.50 and FIP with 2.64, and he led both the MLB and the American League in strikeouts with 326, strikeouts per 9 innings with 13.8, and ERA+ with 185. He was just barely beaten by Justin Verlander for the American League Cy Young and finished tenth in MVP voting.

Gerrit Cole was given a full no-trade clause for all of the nine years and has a player option after the fifth year of the deal.

Over the past few offseasons, the Yankees did not break the bank on any marquee free agents. This finally changed when Brian Cashman, the Yankees’ general manager was given approval from ownership to offer Cole a record-breaking deal.

The Yankees finally broke the bank for a highly-touted free agent. The Evil Empire is back.

Good morning world,
Gerrit Cole is a New York Yankee. It happened. They did it. The Evil Empire is back. We’re about to have the time of our lives. It’s our world and nobody else’s. Time to win. Let’s go!!!
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) December 11, 2019

One of the Yankees’ main problems the last few seasons has been starting pitching, and with the acquisitions of James Paxton in the 2018 offseason and now Gerrit Cole in 2019, starting pitching could theoretically be one of their least worries for the next few seasons.

The Yankees’ rotation as of right now is looking like…

Gerrit Cole
Luis Severino
James Paxton
Masahiro Tanaka
Multiple Options

That top four of their five-man rotation looks deadly. For that last spot, it all depends on how some players pitch in Spring Training, and if Domingo German is allowed to pitch next season. It could be German, Jordan Montgomery, or even Deivi Garcia. There have been many rumors of J.A. Happ being traded away, so he will likely not be on the roster come next season.

When asked about how Cole will pitch in pinstripes, Yankees coach Aaron Boone had this to say on the matter:

Boone on Cole: “I think he’ll thrive. His greatness, for one thing. His mindset. We got to spend a lot of time together & really learn about him, & him about us. Everything in him suggests that this is a guy that would thrive anywhere, but I’m confident, especially in New York.”
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 11, 2019

It’s always nice when your manager is confident in the signing of a huge free agent.

The Yankees look ready for 2020. With Gerrit Cole leading the way, the Yankees could very well be on their way for their 28th World Series ring.