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Yankees ‘Will Get Crucified’ if They Dodge $36 Million Move on Ace Pitcher

The New York Yankees are facing a difficult decision regarding ace pitcher Gerrit Cole.

Cole is set to earn $36 million in 2023, and the Yankees have the option to decline his contract and pay him a $20 million buyout.

If the Yankees decline Cole's contract, they would save $16 million, but they would also lose one of the best pitchers in baseball.

Cole has been a key part of the Yankees' success in recent years, and he is coming off a season in which he went 13-8 with a 3.50 ERA.

The Yankees have a number of other good pitchers, but Cole is their ace, and he is the one they turn to in big games.

If the Yankees decline Cole's contract, they would have to find a replacement for him, and that would not be easy.

There are not many pitchers available on the free agent market who are as good as Cole, and the Yankees would likely have to trade for a pitcher, which would cost them prospects.

The Yankees are a win-now team, and they need Cole to be their ace.

If they decline his contract, they are taking a big risk, and it is a risk that could cost them a World Series title.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Yankees declining Cole's contract:

Pros:

• Save $16 million
• Open up a roster spot for a younger pitcher

Cons:

• Lose their ace pitcher
• Take a step back in the AL East
• Risk losing the World Series