The Yankees aren’t done. According to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman, the Yanks are interested in Pirates’ pitcher Gerrit Cole.
Yankees are interested in gerrit cole, who they once drafted. But initial impression is pirates arent trading him.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 11, 2017
Cole, who was drafted by the Bombers in 2008, is coming off a disappointing 2017. The 27-year-old finished with a 12-12 record and a career worst 4.26 ERA. On the plus side, he did pitch 203 innings after an injury-filled 2016 when he went 7-10. 2015 was his best year by far, going 19-8 with a 2.60 ERA and finishing fourth in NL Cy Young voting.
Since the righty is under team control for two more seasons, it’s understandable why the Pirates may be hesitant to move him. However, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Bucs are at least willing to listen to offers.
The Pirates are willing to listen to offers for Gerrit Cole; the Yankees and Pirates match up well for potential deals at this juncture, as sources confirm; Brian Cashman and Neal Huntington have an extensive trade history. Time will tell.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 11, 2017
The Yankees came calling for Cole after his senior year at Orange Lutheran High School in 2008. They were reportedly planning on offering him a $4 million signing bonus, but waited until the deadline to make the deal. By that point, Cole had committed to play for UCLA. Pittsburgh drafted him first overall in 2011.
With the offense stacked to epic proportions, look for the Yankees to focus on starting pitching during the winter meetings and the offseason.
