The Yankees suffered a heartbreaking loss in the World Series, and the Boston Red Sox could add even more to their American League East rivals.

According to ESPN, Gerrit Cole terminated his contract on Saturday. New York has the option to override the opt-out by extending the top pitcher's massive contract by one year and $36 million on top of the remaining four years and $144 million.

The opt-out came after Cole's fifth-inning disaster in Game 5 of the World Series. Cole had a chance to end the inning with a 5-0 lead when he rushed to first base. However, Anthony Rizzo, whose club option was declined, remained with his hands in the air and Mookie Betts scored an unearned run. The Los Angeles Dodgers overcame a 5-0 deficit and battled back to win the Fall Classic in five games.

The Yankees have until Sunday to overturn Cole's opt-out, which ESPN expected them to do. But what if they don't? Let's go through this crazy scenario.

What if New York lost both Juan Soto and Cole after failing to win its first World Series since 2009? The Red Sox were expected to pursue Soto, but Boston's primary focus this offseason is reportedly pitching. An American League Cy Young winner, six-time All-Star and two ERA titles? The Red Sox should definitely be interested in the 34-year-old.

Cole suffered an elbow injury that sidelined him for over two months during the 2024 season. But he still posted a 3.41 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 99 innings.

The Red Sox have solid pitchers. But Cole is the ace the rotation needs, and his blunder in the World Series could be seen as a blip on the road to the winning baseball Boston wants to return to.

Again, there is a slim chance that New York will allow its ace to leave. But if Cole is tired of pitching in front of Rafael Devers, switching to him would solve that problem.