Yankees meet with Cole; Strasburg next
NEW YORK — Gerrit Cole, the top pitcher on the free-agent market, was set to meet with New York Yankees officials in California on Tuesday.
General manager Brian Cashman, manager Aaron
Boone and new Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake made the trip to speak with the 29-year-old right-hander, a person familiar with the planning said.
New York is expected to meet Wednesday with freeagent right-hander Stephen Strasburg, the person said. Strasburg and Cole both are represented by Scott Boras.
New York is seeking to boost a rotation that includes Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, James Paxton and J.A. Happ.
Domingo German, who went 18-4 this year, ended the season on administrative leave under Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy and could be suspended for the start of next season. Jordan Montgomery returned in September from Tommy John surgery in June 2018.
More MLB: Former All-stars Blake Treinen, aaron sanchez and addison Russell were among 56 players who became free agents along with current Gold Glove second baseman yolmer sanchez when their teams declined to offer 2020 contracts Monday rather than make them eligible for salary arbitration. Baltimore traded second baseman Jonathan Villar to Miami, which claimed first baseman Jesus aguilar off waivers from Tampa Bay. ... Left-handed reliever Jake diekman reached agreement on a $7.5 million, twoyear contract with the Oakland Athletics after joining the club in a trade from Kansas City before last July’s deadline. Diekman’s deal includes a team option for the 2022 season. Oakland also announced Tuesday that it reached minor league agreements with right-hander Jordan weems and outfielder dillon Thomas and each receives an invite to spring training.