TAMPA, Fla. – In the quiet moments of winter, Gerrit Cole contemplated his unexpected status as a free agent after choosing to opt out of his Yankees contract.
Yet, in his heart, the experienced right-hander always envisioned returning as the ace for the team he has cherished since childhood.
Excitement for Spring Training
As pitchers and catchers began their first spring training workout at George M. Steinbrenner Field, Cole expressed his excitement about donning the Yankees uniform once again.
For him, returning to Yankee Stadium felt like coming home, and he made it clear that his foremost desire was to stay with the team.
Cole’s decision in November to opt out of his deal, which included four years and $144 million, was widely anticipated.
When the Yankees chose not to cancel the opt-out clause, Hal Steinbrenner, the club’s managing general partner, voiced reluctance to extend the contract to a fifth year at $36 million.
Consequently, Cole and his agent Scott Boras decided to stick with the original agreement, which is set to run through 2028.
Challenges and Resilience
General manager Brian Cashman remarked that Cole appreciated the benefits of staying with a familiar organization, suggesting that sometimes, comfort and stability outweigh the allure of pursuing other options.
Cole echoed this sentiment, noting that productive talks with the Yankees led both sides to embrace continuity in their shared goals.
Manager Aaron Boone shared his relief over Cole’s return, acknowledging the lure of star pitchers in free agency.
As he gears up for his sixth season in pinstripes, Cole is preparing for his fifth Opening Day start.
After an outstanding, Cy Young Award-winning campaign in 2023, he encountered adversity last March when a right elbow injury forced him to delay his season debut until June.
Despite making just 17 starts, Cole finished with an 8-5 record and an impressive 3.41 ERA, proving his resilience by allowing two runs or fewer in twelve of those outings.
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Pitching coach Matt Blake praised Cole’s adaptability, noting that he effectively underwent an in-season Spring Training that positioned him as a premier pitcher during critical stretches.
His postseason performance was particularly noteworthy, with a stellar 2.17 ERA across five starts, even achieving a couple of no-decisions during the World Series against the Dodgers.
Looking back on the previous season, Cole expressed pride in the team’s efforts but recognized the lingering disappointment of not securing a championship—a victory that Steinbrenner hoped Cole would help achieve.
His competitive nature fuels his desire to improve, even when out of the spotlight.
Throughout the offseason, Cole stayed proactive in his throwing routine, claiming he feels in better shape than he did at the same time last year.
He has already faced hitters in a live setting, with plans to do so again soon, indicating promising progress.
Blake noted that they are closely monitoring Cole’s velocity, which has shown him consistently throwing in the 92-94 mph range, occasionally reaching 95 mph.
Blake expressed confidence in Cole’s preparation, suggesting that a shorter offseason might help keep his arm in a fluid state.
As the Yankees look ahead to the season, their pitching lineup, with Cole at the helm alongside lefty Max Fried, appears poised to be a significant strength.
Cole conveyed enthusiasm about teaming up with Fried, a two-time All-Star.
The Yankees believe Fried will thrive by taking advantage of their training facilities.
Cole commended Fried’s work ethic and dedication, describing him as a positive example for younger players and a strong addition to the roster.
Fueled by determination and a commitment to collective success, Gerrit Cole is ready to make the upcoming season one to remember for the Yankees.
