Report: Donaldson and Cole to be Road Roommates

Snarkier Than Reusse · March 17, 2022

Unreliable sources report that the Yankees will have former Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson and Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole will be roommates this season during road trips. Baseball insiders remain skeptical due to Donaldson’s and Cole public feud in 2021.

After MLB began cracking down on illegal sticky substances like Spider Tack, Donaldson publicly questioned if it was a coincidence that Cole had an immediate drop in spin rate and movement. After the controversy went public Donaldson went 0-6 with four strikeouts in their two 2021 matchups. Donaldson is 0-9 lifetime versus Cole, tied for his longest hitless streak against any pitcher.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman says the feud is in the past. He points to a Cole quote from after their 2021 matchups to show Cole has moved on. “I don’t see any need to [talk]. I’m good,” Cole said. “But if he has anything more to say, he’s welcome to reach out or whatever.”

Cashman is optimistic the new teammates will become fast friends. “These men are professionals. They don’t let things like their contracts, petty gripes or unwritten rules affect their performance or relations with teammates.” Cashman pointed to past successful Yankee teams like Billy Martin led teams, that had several fist fights but were successful. “I expect Gerrit and Josh will end up as close as Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson were in the 70s,” said Cashman.