Sometimes the biggest signings create the most painful ripple effects. The Yankees are learning this lesson the hard way as their division rivals just secured a generational talent for eight years and $67 million–a player who slipped through their fingers because of financial constraints created by their own blockbuster move.

The Bronx Bombers’ massive $324 million commitment to ace pitcher Gerrit Cole seemed like a championship-caliber investment at the time. Cole brought Cy Young credentials and postseason experience to a rotation desperately needing an anchor. However, that hefty contract carried hidden costs that Yankees brass couldn’t have anticipated would sting this deeply years later–costs that would ultimately gift Samuel Basallo to their division rivals.

Baseball insider Kiley

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