Yankees’ Gerrit Cole deal made possible thanks to Sabathia’s key role

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The bond between CC Sabathia and Gerrit Cole played a crucial role in the New York Yankees’ successful efforts to land the ace pitcher in the Bronx.

Their connection traces back to 2008 when the two first crossed paths near the Island Hotel in Newport Beach, California, where Sabathia was living while playing for the Cleveland Indians. At the time, Cole was a highly regarded prospect from Orange Lutheran High School, seeking guidance on choosing an agent.

Sabathia shared advice on navigating the process. Looking back, Sabathia recalled sensing Cole’s talent and dedication early on, believing the young pitcher was destined for greatness. It culminated with the passing of the Yankees’ ace torch when Sabathia retired in 2019.

“We talked for a long time,’’ the ex-ace told The Post. “It was a cool conversation. I said to myself afterward, ‘This kid is gonna be good.’ I could tell he was serious about the game.”

“Meeting him meant a lot to me,’’ the current ace reciprocated. “We kept in touch after that.”

Though the Yankees drafted Cole in the first round in 2008, he opted to attend UCLA instead. Despite that choice, their connection endured. The ace pitcher later said that their initial conversation had left a lasting impression on him, and they stayed in touch as Cole advanced through his career.

Their relationship continued through pivotal moments in Cole’s journey, including his selection as the No. 1 overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011 and his stints with both the Pirates and Houston Astros.

In 2019, during Sabathia’s final season, he and his family attended the All-Star Game at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Cole, then with Houston, had been named to the American League All-Star team but didn’t pitch in the game. The two met again during the Home Run Derby, catching up in the outfield.

CC hypes the Yankees before Cole

Sabathia, who had famously left Milwaukee to sign a landmark contract with the Yankees in 2009, offered Cole advice about the unique pressures and rewards of pitching in New York. He stressed that winning anywhere is satisfying, but succeeding in The Bronx creates a legacy that transcends time. Sabathia emphasized how deeply connected the Yankees’ victories are to the legends that came before, making success with the team especially meaningful.

Reflecting on his first season with the Yankees, Sabathia described leading the team to their 27th championship as one of the most meaningful achievements of his life, ranking alongside his marriage and the birth of his children. Sabathia aimed to impress upon Cole that success in New York leaves a lasting legacy. While playing closer to home in Anaheim may have been tempting, the ex-Yankee told the present ace that victories in The Bronx are remembered forever.

Though Cole grew up in southern California, his lifelong passion for the Yankees made him an easy sell for Sabathia, who is from northern California and now works in the MLB Commissioner’s office.

Cole acknowledged how much he learned from Sabathia about what it means to play for the Yankees, especially regarding the organization’s unwavering focus on winning. After enduring limited playoff success during his time in Pittsburgh, the Yankee ace understood the value of joining a team with a history of consistent contention. His admiration for the Yankees and Sabathia’s insights helped cement his decision to sign with New York.

“I got a lot of information through osmosis from him of what it’s like playing for the Yankees,” the Yankees ace acknowledged CC’s influence. “He emphasized that the organization tries to win every year. I hadn’t made the playoffs much in Pittsburgh and knew how important it was to be in a winning situation. That’s one of the big reasons I came here, besides my love of the Yankees — trying to win it all.”

Still, despite the nine-year, $324 million contract Cole signed in December 2019, his first four seasons with the Yankees have yet to deliver the World Series title he’s been chasing.

Cole came close in 2019 with the Astros, but Houston fell short in Game 7 of the World Series against the Nationals, with Juan Soto‘s breakout performance and Howie Kendrick’s pivotal home run sealing the defeat.

In New York, Cole has had mixed postseason results. He guided the Yankees to the ALCS two seasons ago, only to be defeated by his former Astros team. Last year, the Yankees missed the playoffs altogether. Now 34, Cole has hit his stride after overcoming an elbow injury that sidelined him for the first half of the season. He closed out the regular season with two dominant starts and delivered quality outings in four of his final five games.

With the postseason ahead, Cole’s focus is clear—winning a World Series title. After coming agonizingly close in 2019, he knows the magnitude of the opportunity in front of him. Cole has reiterated that capturing a championship remains his top goal, even as other ambitions still linger. As he heads into October, he aims to carry his recent momentum and make good on the promise he brought to the Yankees.

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