Gerrit Cole announced shocking news after choosing to opt out of his contract with the New York Yankees. The Yankees ace’s decision came as a surprise to many. Things have gotten worse for the Yanks after their World Series loss.
With Cole’s future doubtful and Soto on the free agency market, the team’s roster does not look great for 2025. Cole was undoubtedly the ace of the team, and his incredible pitching skills helped the Yanks reach the World Series.
His departure with the Bronx Bombers will only make things more challenging. However, Yankee fans reacted differently to this news. Several fans called out the reigning Cy Young Award winner for his decision. Here’s a look at some of the fan reactions on X.
“Well, he opted out of winning the World Series,” – one fan responded.
“Opted out of covering first too,” another fan wrote.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MLB stories via Google! Follow Us
“Let him go and go get Roki,” another fan responded.
“I’d let him walk. Ngl. Thats absurd greed if he thinks he’s valued at more than $36 million. Good luck in your endeavors,” wrote one fan.
“Let him go,” one fan said.
“Gerrit Cole really isn’t a Yankee fan atm,” another fan chimed in.
“Perfect. Use that money to sign Soto,” another fan wrote.
“Replace him with his best friend Bauer,” said another fan.
“Bring Burnes and Snell,” another fan chipped in.
“Let him walk! He’s not an ace anymore since he was called out for using Spider Tack!!!” one fan said.
Yankees Could Extend Gerrit Cole’s Contract By Paying $36 Million
Gerrit Cole might have plans to opt out, and some fans have sided with the star. However, the Yankees could extend Cole’s contract by paying him $36 million. The Yanks offered Cole a contract that was worth $324 million for nine years.
Cole agreed to the contract in 2020 and has four years remaining. Yet, he picked the player option to give him more leverage. While it seems to be a strategic move for Cole, it clearly puts the Yankees in a challenging position.
The Yanks will now need to extend his offer for one more year by paying $36 million. That said, it makes them more uncertain about signing Juan Soto. The Yanks need to make a crucial decision soon. As for Soto, he has several teams rumored to be pushing him, including the Orioles.
