Gerrit Cole thanks Astros fans in heartfelt note

Astros manager A.J. Hinch’s decision not to pitch ace starter Gerrit Cole in relief during Game 7 was the biggest talking point of the night after the Washington Nationals won their first World Series title in franchise history, and the soon-to-be free agent Cole made it clear after the game that he may have thrown his last pitch for the club. When approached by reporters on Wednesday night, Cole clarified that he’s no longer an Astros employee.

Cole was in the final year of his contract, and the 29-year-old could be in line to sign a record contract for a starting pitcher this offseason. On Thursday, Cole posted a heartfelt – and slightly ominous – note to Twitter, thanking the Astros organization and the team’s fanbase for their support during his time with the team.

“Playing in front [of] you is really something special and has been such an honor. The incredible support and passionate roars inspire our team to play at [the] highest level we possibly can. This is a relationship between a team and it’s fans like no other that I know. Thank you for making us better people and better players. This was a great season. We have a lot to be proud of.”