Cole joining Yankees on record $324M deal
Prized free-agent pitcher Gerrit Cole agreed to a record nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees, according to multiple sources.
Cole, the biggest prize of the free-agent market, surpassed the seven-year, $245 million contract Stephen Strasburg received with the Nationals for most total money for a pitcher and for his $36 million average annual value.
Cole, the runner-up to teammate Justin Verlander in the AL Cy Young Award last season, went 20-5 and set an Astros record by winning his last 16 regular-season decisions and topped the AL with a career-best 2.50 ERA. His career-high 326 strikeouts were the most in the majors and set an Astros franchise record that had stood since 1979, when J.R. Richard fanned 313.
He had only one loss since May 22. That came in Game 1 of the World Series against the
Nationals, but he redeemed himself with a stellar outing in Game 5. During the postseason, Cole went 4-1 with a 1.72 ERA in 36⅔ innings.
SS Gregorius agrees to deal with Phillies
Free-agent shortstop Didi Gregorius agreed to a one-year, $14 million contract with the Phillies, according to multiple sources.
Gregorius, who turns 30 in February, came back from Tommy John surgery in early June and hit .238 with 16 homers and 61 RBI in 82 games. The move, which reunites Gregorius with his former manager Joe Girardi, comes on the heels of the Phillies signing free-agent pitcher Zack Wheeler.
Jones to play baseball in Japan
Former Orioles and Diamondbacks AllStar outfielder Adam Jones agreed to a twoyear, $8 million guaranteed contract with the
Orix Buffaloes in Japan.
Giants add three players
The Giants bolstered their infield by acquiring Zack Cozart and prospect Will Wilson from the Angels for a player to be named or cash. The Giants also signed right-hander Kevin Gausman to a one-year, $9 million contract.
D-backs-Padres will play in Mexico City
Major League Baseball will play regularseason games in Mexico City for the first time in 2020. The Diamondbacks will play the Padres on April 18 and 19 and will be the home team for both games at the new Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium.