YANKEES: General manager Brian Cashman cleared the pathway and opened the golden gates for pitcher Gerrit Cole in free agency, pushing aside all minuscule deals that challenged the nine-year, $324 million contract he ultimately offered.
Cole instantly becomes the top gun for the Yankees and gives them one of the best rotations in baseball, especially with a healthy Luis Severino and Jordon Montgomery in 2020. However, Cashman put veteran free agent outfielder Brett Gardner on hold due to the intensity of the Cole deal, but he will finally have time to backtrack after a strenuous process occurring during the Winter Meetings.