I wonder what it would take Cole to sign a 5 year deal with options for year 6 and 7 and maybe an opt-out after year 3. $25-30 mil a year? Go big on the front end and light on the back knowing you'll need extra money to pay your core guys? The opt-out would ensure him one more run at a shorter term, high salary deal at age 33. Does how far Minnesota goes in the playoffs matter? Does Cole like playing in Texas? I think he'd have to be blown away to not resign with Houston. Yankees could offer him a ton of money. I can't really see him going back to the NL considering he's been dominant in the AL and doesn't have to hit which allows him to pitch later into games. I believe the Twins need to come away with at least two of Cole, Wheeler, Bumgarner, Teheran (if option isn't picked up), or Odorizzi. Especially if they aren't willing to deal prospects to acquire a younger, controllable starter. If the Twins go into the season with Dobnak as the #2, I think the team is in trouble. Even signing just Cole is a great start. If they could sign him, maybe you rethink trading the prospects. $60 million is a lot of money to play around with. No one should be off the table if they think he'll be a contributor over the next 3-5 years.