The most coveted free-agent pitcher came off the market on Tuesday night as Gerrit Cole signed a record nine-year, $324 million contract with the New York Yankees.
The 29-year-old, who was pursued heavily by the Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels, now becomes MLB’s highest-paid pitcher in total salary and annual value.
New York made Cole its entire focus this offseason, bringing in big names to woo him in their meeting, and obviously offering this record contract.
The Yankees entered this offseason needing to add an ace who the team could turn to in pivotal playoff games and they’ve landed it. After years of frustration from fans for missing out on Cole and other top pitchers, general manager Brian Cashman delivered on Tuesday night.
As soon as the biggest news in baseball broke, the MLB world reacted to the historic contract and Cole joining the Yankees.