New York Yankees: Latest Gerrit Cole rumors – west coast teams in the mix

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·November 27, 2019
Will the New York Yankees pursue Gerrit Cole this offseason?

Oct 27, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) walks off the mound during the second inning against the Washington Nationals in game five of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

It was no surprise that star free agent pitcher Gerrit Cole would end up on one of the coasts, considering he grew up in California but was a massive New York Yankees fan. A team on the coast would give him everything he needs — access to the best of everything, but more importantly, the feeling of home.

Cole was quick to leave the Houston Astros after dominating for years at the top level, and he will now take his talents elsewhere in an aggressive market. The Yankees are in the race, said MLB Insider Jon Heyman, who also noted the Los Angeles Angels’ interest.

“I think Cole will probably end up on one of the coasts,” Heyman said on MLB Tonight.

“The Yankees believe that he’s probably going to go to the Angels, but either of them would not shock me.”

The Yankees are seeking asylum employing a cost-efficient route, and owner Hal Steinbrenner’s comments were clear that he believes the starting pitching rotation is pieced together.

With Luis Severino healthy and Jordan Montgomery, who has pitched two seasons of sub 4.00 ERA baseball over three campaigns, will also return in a full-capacity role. Realistically, Steinbrenner has a point. Domingo German won’t miss a majority of the 2020 season, giving the Yankees plenty of fire-power in the rotation.

The New York Yankees could enter the campaign with a staring rotation looking like this:

  1. Luis Severino
  2. James Paxton
  3. Masahiro Tanaka
  4. Jordan Montgomery
  5. Domingo German
  6. J.A. Happ
  7. Michael King/Deivi Garcia

Upgrading the bullpen might be more of a pressing goal for Brian Cashman, who saw Dellin Betances work his way back from numerous injuries just to tear his Achilles Tendon in his September 15 debut. If the Bombers don’t re-sign Betances on a one-year deal, they could allocate more funds towards the bullpen, which wouldn’t be a bad idea.

However, signing a player like Gerrit Cole or Stephen Strasburg would immediately give the Yankees one of the best starting rotations in baseball. While Cole did state he didn’t favor any team going into free agency, rumors have bubbled to the surface that the Angels or Dodgers could be in the lead for his services.

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