MLB Rumors: Insider Expert Tips Gerrit Cole To Sign For Record $280 Million With Yankees, Angels And Dodgers Interested

The MLB winter GM meetings are underway with star free agent Gerrit Cole still unsigned. According to one industry expert, the hard-throwing right-hander will sign for an earth-shattering $280 million for one of the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Currently, the largest contract signed by a free agent pitcher was for $217 million in 2015 when David Price joined the Boston Red Sox. The record for the highest average annual value contract for a pitcher is currently owned by Zach Greinke, who takes home $34.4 million.

According to Jayson Stark of the Athletic, there is at least one MLB club executive who believes Gerrit Cole will break both of those records. The unnamed source works for an organization that is in the market for starting pitching this offseason and has suggested that Cole will sign for eight years and $280 million.

It was already an open secret that Gerrit Cole would likely get a record-breaking deal. That in and of itself limits his market somewhat as few teams have the resources to offer such money. However, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that the Yankees, Angels and Dodgers are favorites for the pitcher.

Bob Klapisch of the New York Times reported on Sunday that the Yankees had taken the next step and tabled an offer of seven years, $245 million to Gerrit Cole over the weekend. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand has contradicted Mr. Klapisch stating no offer has been made but the Bombers are very close to doing so.

There is every possibility that either the Angels or Dodgers would one-up any Yankees offer. Should they offer an eighth or possibly even ninth contract year, Gerrit Cole may be tempted as that would put the total salary at or even above the $280 million threshold.

It is unclear just where Gerrit Cole will land. All three suitors have upside for him and all are ready to break records to sign the Southern California native.

However, one thing is certain; Cole and his agent Scott Boras will get their mega-money and one club will get a starting pitcher who makes them overnight World Series contenders and possibly even favorites.