The New York Yankees have been among the favorites to sign free-agent pitcher Gerrit Cole since the start of the offseason. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman might have thrown cold water on that Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters about the team’s pursuit of Cole, Cashman emphasized the team’s strong push to sign him and could only guarantee the fans that the team gave a championship-caliber effort.
The Yankees certainly have positioned themselves strongly to pursue Cole. New York made Cole its entire focus this offseason and even brought in Andy Pettitte, who Cole looked up to growing up as a Yankees fan, in addition to receiving ownership approval to make a record-breaking offer.
Yet, Cashman’s decision to focus on the team’s effort to sign Cole and repeatedly emphasizing that they will feel comfortable if they lose out on him, sounds like a general manager who might know the player is going elsewhere.
While there are other top free agents available, including potential upgrades for the rotation, Cashman and the Yankees front office will face significant criticism and anger from fans if the team falls short on Cole once again.