Yankees linked to former Cy Young winner as possible replacement for Gerrit Cole

The New York Yankees have a busy offseason ahead of them, with several decisions to make regarding some of the club’s biggest stars.

All eyes will be on the Juan Soto auction, and rightly so. But there is also a storyline in the making involving Yankees star Gerrit Cole.

The reigning American League Cy Young winner has the option to opt out of his contract this offseason. The Yankees can void that opt-out by exercising an option to add an additional year to the end of his current deal.

While that is the most likely scenario, the chances of Cole being signed on a free transfer are very slim.

If that’s the case, MLB.com insiders believe the Yankees could target Baltimore Orioles player Corbin Burnes this winter.

“The Mets and Yankees could go to war over Soto and Burnes this winter, but only if Gerrit Cole opts out and leaves the Bronx (which I don’t think will happen). If Cole stays, I think the Yankees will spend their money on re-signing Soto — or replacing him. If Cole leaves, anything is possible,” wrote Mark Feinsand.

Feinsand also mentioned how the Yankees would like it if the Mets signed Burnes. That kind of move could hurt their chances of stealing Soto, who is the Yankees’ top priority this winter.

Burnes, the 2021 National League Cy Young winner, has proven to be a formidable addition to the top of the Orioles’ starting rotation. In 30 starts, Burnes is 14-8 with a 3.06 ERA, 164 strikeouts, 44 walks and a 1.12 WHIP in 182.1 innings this season.

If the unexpected happens and Cole hits free agency and signs elsewhere, Burnes would be a fine replacement.