SAN DIEGO — It doesn’t happen often, but the last two times a free-agent pitcher turned down the Yankees he did so for less money to pitch in the National League: Cliff Lee with the Phillies in 2010 and Greg Maddux with the Braves in 1992. The Los Angeles Dodgers are hoping Gerrit Cole chooses the same path.
“Oh, we’re in it–strong,” a Dodgers source said Tuesday night.
The Yankees offer a ready-made World Series contender and a legacy-making path similar to what free agent pitchers CC Sabathia and Mike Mussina took. The Angels, Cole’s hometown team, have the advantage of locale, but need to convince Cole they are close to fielding a World Series contender.