Yankees Rumors: 'Strong Expectation' Gerrit Cole Will Opt Out of Contract, Enter FA

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Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees may play a game of contract chicken this offseason, as the veteran ace can opt out but the team may have a remedy for such an action.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported the following:

"Back from an elbow injury and pitching well, Cole also figures into this winter's free agency with a strong expectation that he will opt out of the final four years and $144 million of his nine-year, $324 million contract with the New York Yankees. But any fear that Cole will find greater riches elsewhere can be allayed simply: If he chooses to opt out, the Yankees can nullify it by adding a 10th year at $36 million onto his original…