Here is a question to ask as the clock ticks toward the 5 p.m. Eastern deadline on whether the Yankees will add a fifth year at $36 million to the four years at $144 million already due Gerrit Cole...

Brian Cashman played nice.

The Yankees and Gerrit Cole opted to stay together with the same four-year, $144 million deal, but with an understanding that extension talks would begin soon, The Post's Jon Heyman reported.

The two sides will reportedly discuss an extension later

Gerrit Cole gave up his opt-out right and will remain with the New York Yankees under a contract that runs through 2028 rather than become a free agent.