Pittsburgh Pirates re-sign Gerrit Cole

The Pirates have re-signed Gerrit Cole to avoid arbitration at the deadline.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and starting pitcher Gerrit Cole have agreed to terms on a new contract at the arbitration deadline. Cole signs a $6.75 million deal with Pittsburgh for 2018 to avoid arbitration in his second eligible year. He is set to make $3 million more than the previous season — where he went 12-12 with a 4.26 ERA for the Pirates.

The 27-year-old has spent his entire five-year career with the Pirates and has racked up a 3.50 ERA during that span. But, the monetary amount  of his new contract is nearly $1 million less than projected. Thus making Cole more likely to be dealt by Pittsburgh in the near future. After all, Cole has been subject to trade rumors throughout the entire off-season.

Just two days ago, rumors of a deal between the Pirates and Astros emerged. Talk had it Cole to the Astros was imminent and some even reported he had already joined the team. However, two days later, everything remains silent on both fronts. The Astros and Pirates have engaged in talks for Cole and will likely remain doing so as the Astros look to add another starting pitcher.

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In addition to the Astros, the New York Yankees have also thrown their name in the hat for Cole. The Yankees name was the first mentioned in the Cole sweepstakes this Winter. Even though New York is still rumored to be in the running for the starter, the Yankees held their breath watching Houston nearly steal Cole out from under their noses. Where or when Cole is to be dealt still remains a mystery. However, it seems New York and Houston want him. The failure to agree to a trade will now cost suitors an extra couple million after Friday.