Just how badly did the New York Yankees and GM Brian Cashman want star pitcher Gerrit Cole? Just ask shortstop Didi Gregorius who landed on the free-agent market after the Bombers rejected his qualifying offer this offseason.
Didi Gregorius: "Cashman made it loud and clear that Cole was their priority. I think he only called once. That was it. Nothing else happened. If that happens, I have to look for a place to play. I was in contact with the Phillies. Everything was good and now I'm here."
— Bryan Hoch ?? (@BryanHoch) December 16, 2019
As per MLB’s Brian Hoch, Gregorius wasn’t all too happy with the way Cashman went about informing him of their dis-interest:
“Cashman made it loud and clear that Cole was their priority. I think he only called once. That was it. Nothing else happened. If that happens, I have to look for a place to play. I was in contact with the Phillies. Everything was good and now I’m here.”
Former Yankees SS Gregorius has a point:
Didi was spot on, Cashman was 100% all-in on signing Cole, considering the lengthy nine-year, $324 million deal the two sides inked last week. Finding a spot for Gregorius on the team never seemed to be a pressing matter, especially with Gleyber Torres waiting in the wings.
Gregorius was the top shortstop option on the market before signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, and his price-tag was evidently too high at $14 million. The Yankees will likely move forward with Torres at shortstop and DJ LeMahieu at second base.
The way Cashman went about dealing with one of the more fan-friendly players the Yankees have had in recent years wasn’t ideal. Still, we can only imagine the amount of time it took to solidify and negotiate with Scott Boras regarding Gerrit Cole.