New York Yankees star pitcher Gerrit Cole has started a throwing program as he works his way back from an injury that landed him on the injured list at the start of the season. This is a new experience for Cole, who has rarely missed time due to injury throughout his career. The future of his record-breaking nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees now hangs in the balance as he works towards a return in late May.
When the Yankees signed Cole to his historic contract in 2019, he was the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history in terms of total contract value and average annual value. Cole had shown his worth in seven MLB seasons with the Pirates and Astros, consistently pitching over 116 innings with a 3.22 ERA and 191 strikeouts per season while maintaining exceptional health. His durability, along with his impressive pitching stats, justified the record-breaking deal he received from the Yankees.
Cole rewarded the Yankees with stellar performances, earning Cy Young Award votes in each of his first four seasons in New York, including winning the award in 2023 after leading the league in starts and maintaining a top ERA. It seemed inevitable that he would once again dominate the league and potentially opt out of his contract to secure an even more lucrative deal. However, a recent elbow injury has raised doubts about the future of his contract and his ability to secure a better deal in the future.
The wear and tear of Cole’s 300-start career have caught up with him, leading to the injury that has sidelined him at the beginning of the season. While the injury may impact his ability to opt out of his contract, it also raises questions about his long-term durability and market value. Teams may be skeptical about investing in Cole if his injury history becomes a concern, potentially affecting his future contract negotiations.
The Yankees now face a decision about whether to exercise Cole’s $36 million club option or potentially move on from the pitcher to pursue other options. As the epidemic of pitcher injuries continues to rise in MLB, Cole’s future remains uncertain as he works towards a return to the mound. The unexpected injury has added a level of uncertainty to Cole’s contract situation, leaving both him and the Yankees with important decisions to make in the coming months.
As Cole continues to recover and work towards his return, the future of his record-breaking contract hangs in the balance. With the rising prevalence of pitcher injuries in the league, Cole’s ability to maintain his impressive track record deep into his 30s remains uncertain. The coming months will be crucial for both Cole and the Yankees as they navigate the question of his contract and future in the league.
