For Cole, opting out makes financial sense, as it could secure him more pay later in his career. Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report predicted Cole might take this path, noting that a year ago, the Yankees would have had no problem extending his deal. However, at 34 years old and with over 1,950 innings pitched, Cole’s future will likely lead to a negotiation game between him and the Yankees, who may ultimately guarantee him the additional $36 million for 2028, his age-37 season.
Cutting Cole’s salary could help the Yankees re-sign Soto, especially after owner Hal Steinbrenner called the team’s payroll “not sustainable.” However, letting Cole go while securing Soto would be risky, as the Yankees aim to win multiple World Series during Soto’s time. Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball suggested the Yankees could reallocate funds to Soto but warned that losing Cole, who remains dominant, would weaken the team.
Cole, a Cy Young Award winner and six-time All-Star, has posted a 3.12 ERA over five seasons with the Yankees. If the team wants to contend with Soto, keeping Cole would be the smarter move, as replacing him affordably would be nearly impossible.
