Oct 9, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) reacts after striking out Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Joey Wendle (not pictured) with the bases loaded to end the first inning of game five of the 2020 ALDS at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Gerrit Cole is the highest-paid pitcher in Major League Baseball after agreeing to a nine-year, $324 million contract with the New York Yankees after the 2019 season. Prior to Trevor Bauer’s try-hard short-term contract this offseason, Cole was the league’s second highest-paid player on an AAV basis at $36 million per year (only behind Mike Trout).