Gerrit Cole is viewed as the top free agent pitcher on the market, and there have been rumors for a while suggesting that the Los Angeles Angels may be the favorites to sign him.
Teammates have already hinted and suggested that Cole, who grew up in Orange County, Calif. (where Angel Stadium is located), wants to play on the West Coast. SNY’s Andy Martino adds that there is a perception that the pitcher not only wants to play on the West Coast, but also that the Angels will “spend whatever it takes” to land the ace.
There is a general industry perception that Gerrit Cole prefers the west coast, but the Yankees don’t have any specific information from the agent or player to indicate he would choose California over Bronx. They’re still in.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) November 26, 2019
Paired with the industry perception that Cole wants west coast is perception that Angels are ready to go bonkers for him and spend whatever it takes. But again, Yankees in on him as of now.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) November 26, 2019
The thought of signing Cole is something that will be very pleasing to Angels fans, and Mike Trout, who has committed long term to the team and has been hoping the franchise to field a more competitive team. Cole’s connection to the Angels, coupled with his agent Scott Boras’ relationship with the team (he has a field level box to their games), and the team’s desperate need for pitching and desire to win, adds to the perception that they would go after him. Cole also has seemed ready to leave the Astros from the moment the World Series ended.
Some other teams may be involved in the bidding, which would only drive the price higher for whatever team lands him. Cole went 20-5 with a 2.50 ERA and 326 strikeouts during the regular season and was even better in the postseason, going 4-1 with a 1.72 ERA. He finished second in Cy Young voting and is 29 years old.
