THE New York Yankees keep their ace on the mound. According to ESPN’s Jeff PassanCole remains with the Yankees under the four-year, $144 million deal he originally opted out of. Discussions on a possible contract extension will continue, according to Passan.

Yankees keep Gerrit Cole on $144 million contract

Cole and the Yankees agreed to stay together despite initial expectations that the world-class pitcher would explore his options in free agency. After initially opting out of his deal, Cole agreed to remain with the Yankees as both sides plan to continue extension negotiations throughout the week. It’s like Cole hasn’t retired.

Cole, 34, signed a nine-year, $324 million contract with New York in 2019. Over the past five years, he has established himself as the Yankees’ ace, with a 3.12 ERA in 125 career starts with the club. . Cole won the Cy Young Award last season after posting a league-best 2.63 ERA with a .789 win-loss percentage.

With four years left on the deal, Cole wanted to get out and test the market to see if there was more money elsewhere. However, the world-class pitcher changed his mind and agreed to stay with the Yankees.

Now that Cole’s future is solidified in the Bronx, the Yankees will turn their attention to their other stars as free agency looms, namely Juan Soto. General manager Brian Cashman and owner Hal Steinbrenner will have some important decisions to make as they empty their pockets in an effort to return the pinstripes to the World Series next season.