TAMPA – Gerit Cole added no extra years to his contract this offseason, but claimed he left in satisfaction with the final result that remained in Pinstripe.
After the World Series ended, the Yankees ace opted out of his contract and placed the ball on the team's court – which could add a year and $36 million to the end of his contract. Free agent.
The Yankees were essentially called Cole in his bluff and refused to add an additional year, and eventually Cole withdrew the opt-out and never tested the free agency.
“The intention was nothing more than staying,” Cole said Wednesday after his first training with pitchers and catchers at Stein Brenner Field. “I was happy to be back at Yankee Stadium and be where my feet were.”
We were asked if they were unhappy with the team not adding any additional years. This would have been left on a five-year and $180 million contract, rather than the current four-year and $144 million.
“I got what I wanted,” Cole said. “I wanted to be here.”
The situation opened the door for potential hurt feelings, but manager Aaron Boone said when Cole reported to camp, “had a good way about him.”
“He came in and spoke openly after the fact,” Boone said. “He gave us a bit of relief and laughing. Certainly, we're really excited that he's back.”
If Cole, 34, hadn't missed the elbow nerve stimulation and edema for more than the first two months of last season, and after he returned to the Yankees, he defeated Rust. Adding the fifth year to his contract.
Instead, GM Brian Cashman said in November that the Yankees were “not comfortable” in the extra year.
“We had a good conversation as a group and ultimately decided to continue along the path we were.
