Yankees Sign Gerrit Cole to Record-Breaking Contract

Nine-Year, $324 Million Deal Makes Cole Highest-Paid Pitcher

New York Yankees and Gerrit Cole have agreed to a record-setting nine-year, $324 million contract, making Cole the highest-paid pitcher in Major League Baseball.

The deal, which was announced on Monday, December 11, 2020, reportedly includes a full no-trade clause and will pay Cole an average of $36 million per year.

Cole, a 29-year-old right-hander, is coming off a stellar season with the Houston Astros, where he went 20-5 with a 2.50 ERA and 326 strikeouts in 33 starts.

The Yankees were in desperate need of a top-of-the-rotation starter after finishing with a disappointing 20-35 record in 2020.

Cole's signing is a major coup for the Yankees, who hope to contend for a World Series title in 2021.