Gerrit Cole

The New York Yankees have agreed to sign Gerrit Cole to a record-breaking $324M. It's a nine-year deal that pays Cole $36 million annually. There is a no-trade clause and the contract contains an opt-out after the 2024 season.

Fantasy Impact

Houston did wonders for Cole after revamping his repertoire of pitches. Once an inconsistent starter with ace potential in Pittsburgh, he dominated the Majors the last two seasons with Houston posting 35 wins and just 10 losses. Wins don't show how dominant he was though. During his time with the Astros, he posted a 2.69 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and had 602 strikeouts. The move to Yankee Stadium is a downgrade, but if he can continue to strike batters out, it may not make a huge difference in 2020.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports Gerrit Cole is expected to land a contract totaling more than $300 million.

Fantasy Impact

Sherman cites nine years and $324 million as a reasonable over/under right now. Cole's profitability has certainly increased following Stephen Strasburg's seven-year, $245 million contract with Washington. The Yankees and Angels are both known to be aggressively pursuing Cole at the moment.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports the Yankees had a productive first meeting with free agent starter Gerrit Cole.

Fantasy Impact

The Yankees didn't discuss any dollar figures with Cole but want to sell him on being a Yankee. Heyman adds that New York assured him "the dollars will be there". Cole is expected to land one of the biggest free agent contracts of all time and will be a fantasy monster wherever he winds up.

Gerrit Cole rejected a qualifying offer from the Astros Thursday. He will become a free agent.

Fantasy Impact

Cole rejected a one year, 17.8 million dollar qualifying offer. The Astros will receive draft-pick compensation if Cole signs elsewhere. It has been rumored that the Rangers, Phillies, Yankees, Nationals, and Angels are interested in signing Cole. The 2019 CY Young runner up is expected to draw a hefty price tag in free agency. Cole finished 2019 with an incredible 20-5 record, 2.50 ERA, 0.86 WHIP with a 326:48 K:BB across 212 1/3 innings.

The Astros extended a one-year, $17.8 million qualifying offer to Gerrit Cole.

Fantasy Impact

Cole will surely decline this offer as he has his sights set on a massive pay day this off-season. Houston will now receive a draft pick should he head to another team.