SAN ANTONIO — Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees briefly toyed with the idea of parting ways. Cole contemplated moving to free agency while the Yankees considered finding a new starter. However, they ultimately recognized their mutual need for one another.

The Yankees didn’t want to lose their standout pitcher, and Cole had no desire to leave. After a two-day discussion, they reached an agreement to overlook the recent opt-out situation.

When Cole opted out on Saturday, it may have tested the Yankees’ resolve, but there was also a chance that Cole was aware the team would fight to keep their Cy Young Award-winning pitcher.

In the end, both sides realized there was no need for egos to complicate things, nearly five years after Cole signed a nine-year, $324 million deal with the Yankees in December 2019.

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This resolution means Cole will continue with the Yankees for another four years under his existing contract worth $144 million, sparing the Yankees from having to renegotiate a larger five-year, $180 million deal.

Brian Cashman, the Yankees general manager, shared, “We weren’t entirely comfortable with the situation initially, but we wanted to keep our ace, and he was just as eager to stay. We engaged in meaningful discussions and decided to work things out. When we signed Gerrit, the aim was for him to lead our pitching staff for the remainder of his career.”

Despite having received an additional 24-hour period to negotiate, Cashman stated that there are no current talks regarding a contract extension, but noted that discussions could change in the future.

This situation resembled a game of chicken, with both sides ultimately conceding.

Cole, along with his agent Scott Boras, was not inclined to leave.

Meanwhile, the Yankees—represented by owner Hal Steinbrenner, president Randy Levine, and Cashman—were hesitant to make a tough decision.

Cole had the choice to become a free agent after the Yankees opted not to provide a one-year, $36 million contract extension for 2029, but he decided against it.

“Perhaps the grass isn’t always greener,” Cashman remarked. “I believe he’s content with his current situation. He appreciates our setup, enjoys playing for us, values his teammates, and sees a solid opportunity to win.”

The Yankees could have simply distanced themselves from Cole when he activated his opt-out.

“That wasn’t our desire,” Cashman emphasized. “From our perspective, we wanted him to stay as we move forward, and he expressed that he wanted to remain too. So, the simplest solution was to eliminate the opt-out options.”

This agreement means the Yankees won’t need to search for a new starter, even with available top pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell. They also weren’t willing to enter the 2025 season with a rotation lacking Cole.

“He is among the best in baseball,” Cashman said. “He knows our organization well, and we know him. We can count on the fact that New York is a perfect stage for him. His dedication and preparation are unparalleled. We’re fortunate to have him with us.”

“We can build a team around him and [Aaron] Judge. Right now, my primary focus is to bring in as much talent as possible to enhance our chances in ’25, but retaining Cole was a crucial step.”

They are united again, and the last two days have led to a deeper appreciation between both parties.

“This was a constructive dynamic for us,” Cashman concluded, “which allowed us to reconnect and commit to each other.”