MLB Rumors: Where Will Gerrit Cole Land?

Gerrit Cole regularly writes headlines by making batters whiff but after the Astros fell to the Nationals in World Series game seven, he made them by making a fashion statement.

Instead of donning a cap belonging to the Astros, the ace pitcher instead wore a hat featuring the logo of super agent Scott Boras and informing reporters, "I'm not an employee of the team."

This is a clear message that, short of refusing to play in Houston next season, Cole is on the hunt for mega money. Entering the offseason with historic numbers under his belt, the former New York Yankees draft pick has every right to expect to receive just that.

But where will he get it from? Here are the five top destinations for Gerrit Cole to sign this winter.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Hyun-Jin Ryu and Rich Hill are both entering free agency this offseason meaning the Dodgers will lose two-fifths of their starting rotation. There are already questions over whether or not the NL West champions will tender offers to either so the Dodgers may have money to spare.

They already boast Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler in their rotation plus the promising Dustin May. Add Cole in and the LA Dodgers begin to look unhittable especially with Kenley Jansen coming in from the bullpen after choosing not to activate his opt-out clause.

Cole is from the west coast originally, so he could be tempted to a homecoming. Especially, if that homecoming involves a huge payday.

This deal makes sense for the west coast club who will want to retain their reputation for having one of baseball's toughest pitching staff. Meanwhile, it would make sense for Cole as the Dodgers will be able to tender a huge, possibly record-breaking, contract.

Los Angeles Angels

Arte Moreno has never shied away from giving out huge contracts. From the recent cases of Mike Trout and Justin Upton to the older examples of Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols, the Halos owner is known as a willful gambler in the free agent market.

There is nothing to suggest that Moreno will change now that Cole is available. Plus, there has never really been a bigger need for the AL West contenders in the starting pitching department than right now.

Their Matt Harvey experiment didn't amount to much. Plus, the tragic death of Tyler Skaggs puts a huge dent in the rotation. Griffin Canning had a good debut campaign but that is a very small sample size.

That is all not to mention that Trout, one of the best of his generation, is staring down at the end of his peak years. Moreno and the Angels will need starting pitching to compete and the blue chip starter available this offseason is Cole.

New York Yankees

The Steinbrenners have a long-standing reputation of throwing huge sums of money at whichever player they want in the free agent market. However, in recent times, this willingness to spend has dried up when it comes to pitching.

The last high-profile free agent starter who ended up in pinstripes was CC Sabathia all the way back in 2009. Since then, the Yankees have preferred to give their big contracts to big bats like Giancarlo Stanton.

However, with their staff lacking a true ace, this may be the time for Brian Cashman and company to buck this trend. They will certainly have the money to sign Cole and they are long-time admirers having tried twice already to secure his services.

The first time was when they drafted Cole but he elected to go to college instead. Then, a few years later, the Yankees tried to trade for him while he was with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Perhaps, this is the offseason where he finally ends up in pinstripes.

San Diego Padres

The final California team who may sign Cole are also the biggest outsiders. While the Padres are not traditionally known for having the money to sign blue chip free agents, they have done so in the past all the same.

Last season, they were the surprise winners of the Manny Machado sweepstakes inking the infielder to a ten-year contract. Two years ago, it was Eric Hosmer and his eight-year deal and they did the same with Wil Myers previously.

San Diego has also been linked with moves for other veteran starters such as Noah Syndergaard, Corey Kluber and Dallas Keuchel somewhat recently. Plus, there is the fact that Cole is a California native.

With a healthy stock of young talent in the system, signing Cole may be the spark the Padres need to stop being the doormat of the NL West.

Houston Astros

Never say never, especially with his Houston team. While Cole's antics after World Series game seven may suggest an unwillingness to re-sign for the Astros, it was likely just a bargaining tactic suggested by none other than Scott Boras.

After all, if a potential suitor doesn't believe a player wants to sign for their club, they are more willing to offer mega money. That is likely exactly what it will take to sign Cole this offseason, regardless of where it comes from.

Houston will also be keen to keep a strong starting rotation with both Justin Verlander and Zach Greinke at the club already. Plus, with Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman tied down to a long-term contract, they don't have too many players to negotiate with this offseason.

This flexibility and their penchant for reaching the fall classic in recent years could mean we see Cole line up in Houston on opening day next season.