With Gerrit Cole opting out of the remaining four years and $144 million on his contract, the New York Yankees can retain their ace by adding an additional year and $36 million to his nine-year, $324 million deal, ESPN reported on Saturday.
Cole, 34, opted out less than a week after losing the World Series-clinching Game 5 to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The veteran right-hander held Los Angeles hitless through four innings as the Yankees tried to force Game 6, but it all fell apart in a five-run fifth, with all five runs going down as unearned against Cole. The Dodgers went on to win 7-6 and hoisted the World Series trophy at Yankee Stadium.
Per the report, the Yankees face a deadline of Monday at 5 p.m. to add a year to Cole's deal, which would be extended to five years for $180 million. The prevailing thought is that New York will keep the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner in pinstripes.
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