The New York Yankees are approaching a pivotal decision regarding their star pitcher, Gerrit Cole. According to insights from Moneyline, the team has until Monday at 5 PM ET to determine whether to exercise an option for a fifth year at $36 million on his remaining four-year, $144 million contract. Should the Yankees choose not to extend this option, Cole would enter free agency, marking a significant moment for both the player and the franchise as the MLB's 'quiet period' concludes.

Gerrit Cole, 34, began his Major League Baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates before transitioning to the Houston Astros in 2018, where he displayed exceptional performance over two seasons. Since joining the Yankees, Cole has started in 125 games, achieving a record of 59 wins against 28 losses, accompanied by a 3.12 earned run average (ERA). Throughout his tenure with New York, he has tallied 915 strikeouts across 759 innings pitched.

Cole's prowess on the mound garnered him the 2023 American League Cy Young Award, as he concluded the season with a 15-4 record and an impressive 2.63 ERA, striking out 222 batters over 209 innings. During the Yankees' World Series campaign against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cole delivered a commendable effort, pitching 12.2 innings, where he allowed eight hits and six runs, including one home run, while achieving 10 strikeouts.