Yankees' Cole: World Series remains 'ultimate goal'
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole has his eyes on snapping the franchise's 15-year World Series drought in 2024.
Cole said Tuesday that winning the Yankees' 28th championship is his "ultimate goal," according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
The Yankees haven't been to the Fall Classic since they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009.
"That would be the sweetest of them all," Cole said. "It's super hard. But that's what keeps you coming back."
Cole put together a terrific 2023 campaign to win his first Cy Young. The 33-year-old posted a 15-4 record with an AL-best 2.63 ERA and 222 strikeouts over 209 innings.
"It was a real special honor that filled me with a lot of pride," Cole said. "I’m just really happy to do it in this uniform and represent this organization."
Cole can opt out of the remaining four years and $144 million on his contract after the season. The Yankees have an option to add a 10th year to his nine-year contract for $36 million if he exercises his opt-out.
The six-time All-Star has been exactly as advertised in four seasons with the Yankees. Cole owns a 51-23 record with a 3.08 ERA and 11.1 K/9 across 108 starts.