Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees have finalized a record $324 million, nine-year contract
NEW YORK —
Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees have finalized a record $324 million, nine-year contract.
The 29-year-old right-hander was to be introduced during a news conference at Yankee Stadium, where his face appeared on the large video boards outside the ballpark on Wednesday morning.
Cole’s deal is the largest for a pitcher in both its total and its average annual value of $36 million.
It appears to be the longest contract for a pitcher since Wayne Garland’s $2.3 million, 10-year deal with Cleveland before the 1976 season.
Cole was 20-5 with an AL-leading 2.50 ERA and a major league-leading 326 strikeouts for Houston last season.
To clear a roster spot, the Yankees designated right-hander Chance Adams for assignment.
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