The New York Yankees are focused on the upcoming postseason run, but the offseason should provide plenty of fireworks.
One of the top storylines to keep an eye on revolves around ace Gerrit Cole and his potential decision to opt out of the final four years of his current contract with the Yankees.
The organization can easily void the opt-out by adding an additional season to his contract at $36 million, which is what should be expected.
However, there's always the extremely slight chance the Yankees allow Cole to test the market in hopes of re-signing him to a cheaper deal.
The Yankees ace was ranked as the No. 3 free agent for the upcoming offseason by Bleacher Report's Joel Rueter, who believes there's a chance the two sides part ways.
"Injuries have limited him to 15 starts and 79.1 innings this year, and his numbers across the board are off the pace of his Cy Young campaign. The stars might be lining up for the two sides to part ways this winter, especially if the Yankees are going to give Juan Soto a dump truck full of money," Rueter wrote.
The Soto sweepstakes will rightfully dominate the headlines during the offseason, and the Yankees' playoff run will have a large say in the result of his decision.
But the Yankees also know they can't get by without an ace leading the staff. Cole has proven to be that time and again even if he's beginning to enter the latter part of his career.
In 16 starts this season, Cole is 7-5 with a 3.67 ERA, 94 strikeouts, 28 walks and a 1.17 WHIP across 88.1 innings.
