The New York Yankees didn’t spend much time mourning the loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. The franchise is already focused on building its roster for the next season, which includes declining club options for first baseman Anthony Rizzo and coming up with a plan after ace Gerrit Cole opted out of his deal.
Rizzo joined the Yankees in a trade from the Chicago Cubs in 2021 and went on to sign a two-year, $34 million contract with the franchise in 2022. The agreement contained a $17 million option for 2025, but after the Yankees declined it, Rizzo is now set to receive a $6 million buyout.
Rizzo had a challenging last couple of years, dealing with a series of injuries. He was limited to 92 games in 2024, finishing the regular season with a .228 batting average, eight home runs, and 35 RBI.
Cole, on the other hand, is using the opportunity to get one last big payout of his career. He and the Yankees agreed to a then-record nine-year, $324 million contract in 2019, but a proven pitcher like him could likely do better on the open market than the four years and $144 million left on his deal.
However, it is unlikely that Gerrit will get a chance to test the free agency again. Reportedly, the Yankees have inserted a clause in the contract that allows them to keep Cole by extending his contract for one additional year at a cost of $34 million.
Cole made 17 starts in 2024, compiling an 8-5 record with a 3.41 ERA and 99 strikeouts.
