New York Yankees rumors: What pushed Gerrit Cole over the hump, Brett Gardner, Dellin Betances

New York Yankees, New York Mets, Dellin Betances
Jun 24, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yasnkees pitcher Dellin Betances (68) looks on against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

What a day it is to be a New York Yankees fan. The signing of Gerrit Cole on a nine-year, $324 million deal with an out after five-years should feel like an early Christmas present, as the Bomber’s now host one of the best starting rotations in all of baseball.

With Luis Severino expected to return fully healthy in 2020 and Jordon Montgomery preparing to feature after a season on IR, there’s no question any team willing to stand up to the Yankees will have a fall task ahead of them, but luring Cole to the Bronx was far more complicated than expected.

Two secret teams entered the mix in the later stages, but it was thought the Los Angeles Dodgers and Yankees were the favorites all along.

Here are the New York Yankees rumors of the day:

Jack Curry: Just spoke to Scott Boras. Asked the agent what helped make Gerrit Cole choose the Yankees and he said, “ Five conversations with Hal Steinbrenner,” and “Andy Pettitte.” Boras was impacted by Hal’s persistence and Cole was influenced by Andy’s stories about pitching in NY.

Buster OlneyYankees Hal Steinbrenner spoke directly to Scott Boras as the two sides went through the Gerrit Cole negotiation, and the turning point seemed to be when Steinbrenner added a ninth year to the Yankees’ offer.

@Ken_Rosenthal: “They’re bringing Brett Gardner back. It’s just a matter of time.” 
Jon Heyman: Didi Gregorius is reunited with Joe Girardi in Philly. Girardi might also like Betances, Romine, both also free agents

With the New York Yankees signing Cole, bringing in a high-priced bullpen arm seems unlikely. They could retain Dellin Betances on a one-year, “prove it” deal, but he will cost upwards of $10 million. Manager Aaron Boone handled the bullpen just fine in 2019, as Betances made only one appearance before tearing his Achilles.

New pitching coach Matt Blake has a ton of talent to work with.

Your rumors from yesterday!