Gerrit Cole will remain with the New York Yankees rather than become a free agent. The Yankees and the pitching star have agreed to stay together.

Cole had opted out of his original nine-year, $324 million contract signed before the 2020 season, but the Yankees could have voided that opt-out by adding an additional year at $36 million.

Instead of that happening, though, Cole is returning to the Yankees on the four years and $144 million that was left on his original deal, per multiple reports.

The GM indicated they were glad to have the ace back, and there were no active extension discussions as of right now. It is expected that there could be extension talks as the offseason moves forward. In essence, this move erases the fact that Cole ever opted out in the first place.

Had the Yankees added the extra year, Cole’s new deal would have been for five years and $180 million, taking him through the 2029 season.

David Ortiz appears to have a new business venture days after his Baseball Hall of Fame enshrinement.

The Boston Red Sox legend is teaming up with Massachusetts-based cannabis company Rev Brands to launch a new line called “Papi Cannabis,” the company announced.

“Once I embraced the flow of the flower everything changed,” Ortiz said. “Cannabis has helped me relax, sleep better, manage stress and heal physically after a lifetime of playing ball, and I look forward to sharing Papi Cannabis and my personal journey to help people understand its benefits.” 

Papi Cannabis’ first product be a “Sweet Sluggers” line, which will include what Rev Brands referred to as Ortiz’s “favorite strains” such as “Black Mamba #7,” “Lava Cake #7,” “Motorbreath #15” and “Bootylicious #4,” to be sold at recreational dispensaries in Massachusetts, with others products expected to be released later this summer.

Ortiz was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native finished his MLB career with a .286 batting average, 541 home runs and 1,768 RBI.

The New York Giants entered their Week 9 matchup against the Washington Commanders in hopes of snapping their three-game losing streak. Instead, they fell behind by 14 by the half and although the Giants fought back a few times to make it a one-possession game, the Commanders had control of the game throughout, winning 27-22.

The defense struggled to slow down the Washington offense, forcing just two punts on the day, and continued to have trouble stopping the run.

Daniel Jones had a good day passing for two touchdowns and adding an impressive rushing touchdown as well. However, he did have a turnover that led to a Washington touchdown in the first half.

The loss drops the Giants to 2-7 on the season with eight games remaining.

Jayden Daniels didn’t need to throw a Hail Mary on the final play — or do anything spectacular, really, to lead his Washington Commanders past the bumbling New York Giants.

The sensational rookie made plays with his arm and legs and got a solid supporting effort from his defense as the Commanders again showed the rest of the NFL they’re for real. Washington moved to 7-2 for the first time since 1996.