When Yankee officials arrive in San Diego for next week’s winter meetings, they will be viewed in a different light regarding free-agent right-hander Gerrit Cole than they were two weeks ago.
That’s when highly respected industry sources said they would be “shocked’’ if the 29-year-old Cole signed with the Yankees.
Now, after meeting with GM Brian Cashman, manager Aaron Boone and new pitching coach Matt Blake in Orange County, Calif., on Tuesday, the Yankees are considered to have a serious shot at signing Cole.
Whether or not that happens, the Yankees have to believe their chances of getting Cole are greater than they are of landing fellow right-handed free agent Stephen Strasburg.