November 2, 2024

Yankees’ Offseason Begins: Key Moves and Uncertainties as Free Agency Opens

Anthony Rizzo , Baseball , gerrit cole , Juan Soto , luke weaver , MLB , New York Yankees , Yankees

Just three days into the MLB offseason, baseball is already buzzing with excitement and key decisions. The New York Yankees are making headlines by quickly exercising Luke Weaver’s contract option while opting to decline Anthony Rizzo’s. Meanwhile, ace Gerrit Cole has chosen to opt out of his contract, putting the Yankees in a pivotal spot where they must navigate the intricacies of his opt-out clause to keep him on the roster. Adding to the suspense, MLB free agency officially kicked off on Thursday, the day after the World Series wrapped up. While teams can begin negotiations with free agents right away, players won’t be eligible to sign with new teams for five days. With several Yankees set to hit free agency, their offseason choices will be more critical than ever.

Yankees Chain the Jungle Cat

The Yankees have officially exercised Luke Weaver’s player option for the 2025 season, solidifying their choice of him as the new closer. This move was anticipated after Weaver, 31, enjoyed what many consider the best season of his nine-year career. He wrapped up 2024 with a 2.89 ERA and 103 strikeouts over 84 innings, serving as a reliable setup man for most of the season before stepping in as the Yankees’ closer in September. During his final 11 regular-season innings, Weaver allowed just one unearned run and four hits, racking up an impressive 24 strikeouts. This decision highlights the Yankees’ strategy to strengthen their pitching staff as they tackle crucial roster decisions this offseason.

Grazie Mille Anthony Rizzo!

Thanks a million, Anthony Rizzo! The New York Yankees announced Saturday that they have declined Rizzo’s $17 million contract option for the 2025 season, making him a free agent. This decision follows a challenging year for the veteran first baseman, who battled injuries and posted a .228 batting average with eight home runs in just 92 games this season. The Yankees had hoped the 35-year-old would bounce back but ultimately chose to move in a different direction, opting to pay him a $6 million buyout instead. The Yankees acquired Rizzo in a trade with the Chicago Cubs in July 2021, and his leadership has been an incredible asset that will be missed.

“To wear this jersey is something special that I wish every baseball player gets to feel because it’s a different feeling wearing this jersey,” Rizzo expressed following Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday. “And I loved every second of it.”

Will Cole be a Yankee Today, Tomorrow, Forever?

While it was anticipated, it’s still a significant development: Gerrit Cole has opted out of his contract, putting the decision back in the Yankees’ hands. Cole made this choice on Saturday, opting out of a deal that had four years and $144 million left. The Yankees have the opportunity to avoid the ace’s opt-out and keep him from entering free agency by adding a fifth year worth $36 million to his current contract, potentially extending his time in The Bronx through the 2029 season. Regardless, this move leaves the Yankees facing the challenge of potentially re-signing Cole while addressing other roster needs. Cole’s departure would significantly impact the Yankees’ pitching staff, making this a pivotal moment in their offseason strategy. Will the Yankees ensure that the ace is a Yankee today, tomorrow, forever?