As the New York Yankees are in the midst of their American League Division Series with the Cleveland Guardians, Gerrit Cole had some playful, choice words for the Los Angeles Angels after they missed the playoffs for another season.
Prior to signing with the Yankees for nine years and $324 million, Cole flirted with the idea of coming home to Southern California but ultimately couldn’t turn down a full no-trade clause and the richest contract for a pitcher in league history.
The Angels made a strong effort to sign Cole, and prior to the start of the ALDS, he poked fun at L.A. for missing out on postseason play once again, via Lindsey Adler of the Athletic:
“It’d be very nice to be living at home, playing with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani” Cole said. “I could be spending today grilling burgers and drinking beer and gambling on football games. Instead, I’m here at Yankee Stadium throwing a bullpen at 10:40 am, but we’ve got the LDS coming up, and I’m pumped.”
Cole carried a 3.50 ERA, and a 1.10 WHIP with a 13-8 record over the course of the 2022 regular season, and he’s since tossed 6.1 innings of one-run baseball in the ALDS.
The Angels would, unfortunately, be in a much better place with an arm like Cole’s in their rotation, but the money it took to sign the right-hander, would hinder the ability to make a run at signing Ohtani to a massive deal that he ultimately deserves.
Carlos Correa opts out, becomes options for Angels
The Angels have relied on light-hitting, sure-handed shortstops for the past decade, but with Carlos Correa set to become a free agent, he should be on the top of their wish list.
Andrelton Simmons once held shortstop down for the Angels, and his glovework was incredible. By all accounts, he’s one of the best defensive middle infielders to wear an Angels uniform. But his bat left a lot to be desired as he was heralded to play defense and provide somewhat timely hitting.
But defensive runs saved don’t hit home runs or post a career 130 wRC+ at a premier position where the offense is highly valued. With offseason mode the only thing on the Angels’ mind, Correa announced he’s opting out of his contract with the Minnesota Twins and is lobbying for a big contract.
