The Yankees suffered a heart-breaking World Series loss, and the Boston Red Sox could stick a dagger even further to their American League East rival.
According to ESPN, Gerrit Cole opted out of his contract Saturday. New York has the ability to void the opt-out by adding one year and $36 million to the four years and $144 million that remain on the ace pitcher’s hefty contract.
The opt-out came after Cole’s disaster of a fifth inning in Game 5 of the World Series. Cole had the chance to end the inning with a 5-0 lead if he hustled to first base. However, Anthony Rizzo, who had his club option declined, was left with his hands in the air and Mookie Betts brought in an unearned run. The Los Angeles Dodgers overcame the 5-0 deficit and battled back to clinch the Fall Classic in five games.
The Yankees have until Sunday to void Cole’s opt-out, which ESPN expected them to do. But what if they don’t? Let’s entertain this pie-in-the-sky scenario.
What if New York lost both Juan Soto and Cole after failing to win their first World Series since 2009? The Red Sox should make a run at Soto, but Boston’s primary focus this offseason reportedly is starting pitching. An American League Cy Young winner, six-time All-Star and two ERA titles? The Red Sox should definitely be in on the 34-year-old.
Cole did suffer an elbow injury that sidelined him for over two months of the 2024 season. But he still posted a 3.41 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 99 innings.
The Red Sox have solid pitchers. But Cole is the ace that the rotation needs and his mistake in the World Series could be considered an outlier to the winning baseball that Boston wants to return to.
Again, there’s a low likelihood New York would allow its ace to opt out. But if Cole is sick and tired of pitching to Rafael Devers, joining him would resolve that issue.
