Astros named top landing spot for Yankees ace in free agency

As the New York Yankees chase their 28th World Series title, much of that objective falls on the shoulders of their ace.

Right-hander Gerrit Cole has mostly rounded into form after a late start to the 2024 season due to an elbow injury, and there's a contract decision that must be made this offseason.

Cole has the ability to opt out of the final four years of his current contract ($144 million). The Yankees can void the opt-out clause by tacking on an extra year at $36 million to the back end of the deal. It seems that's the most likely scenario.

However, there is the tiniest chance the Yankees let Cole test the market if the opts out. If that's the case, Joel Rueter of Bleacher Report believes the Houston Astros would be Cole's best fit.

"Veteran Justin Verlander is a free agent this offseason, and Cole was fantastic in an Astros uniform in 2018 and 2019. Adding him could also serve as a contingency plan if the club is unable to come to terms on a long-term extension with Framber Valdez before he hits free agency after the 2025 season," Reuter wrote.

Losing Cole to the Astros would be a major blow to the Yankees' hopes of building a perennial playoff team.

The 34-year-old has still proven capable of leading a starting rotation despite his elbow injury this season. He's just one year removed from his Cy Young season in 2023, and he showed shades of that dominance down the stretch in 2024.

It will be interesting to see how the offseason unfolds with Cole's contract decision, but it would pain the fanbase to watch him go back to Houston.

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