6 MLB standouts who could become intriguing free agents

Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees

Cole signed a nine-year, $324-million deal with the Yankees in 2019 which was a record contract for a pitcher at the time. Now the 34-year-old righthander can opt out of the remaining four years, $144 million. Cole could decide to opt in, but with Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Zack Wheeler and Jacob deGrom all signing deals with higher AAVs than he received, a new contract could be something he contemplates.

Gerrit Cole gets his 7th strikeout! 💪#YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/qUhEkVqaPS

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) September 8, 2024