MLB

Gerrit Cole Is Worth $50 Million, but He Still Drives the First Car He Ever Owned — a 2006 Toyota Tacoma

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Gerrit Cole has enough money to drive any car he wants, but he still uses the first car he owned as a teenager — a 2006 Toyota Tacoma.

Some athletes embrace an extravagant lifestyle once they get their first big paycheck. Mansions, Lamborghinis, and expensive jewelry just become part of their everyday lives, but some stay humble even after becoming rich. That couldn’t be more true for Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole.

Cole is one of the highest-paid players in the MLB and is now worth $50 million, but he still drives the first car he ever owned back when he was a teenager — a 2006 Toyota Tacoma.

Gerrit Cole recently signed a $324 million contract with the Yankees

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Cole has established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the MLB in recent years, and it just paid off in a big way. Over the offseason, Cole signed with the Yankees to the tune of nine years and $324 million. The $324 million is fully guaranteed.

The record-breaking deal made Cole the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history and the second-richest player in the entire league behind only Mike Trout.

Before 2020, Cole earned just over $35 million through his first seven seasons as a pro. After signing his lucrative deal, Cole will earn $36 million per year until he’s 39 years old.

Cole is worth $50 million after signing his megadeal

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Ever since he signed his megadeal with the Yankees, Cole has seen his net worth explode. As of 2020, Cole is now worth $50 million.

That number is set to grow even more in the years to come. Cole will become $36 million richer every season he pitches, so his net worth will climb into the $100 million territory sooner than later.

With his newfound riches, Cole could afford to buy dozens of fancy, expensive cars to flaunt in his garage or on his way to the ballpark, but he’s not that kind of guy. Cole isn’t interested in the extravagant lifestyle, which explains why he still drives the first car he ever owned.

Cole still drives the first car he ever owned despite being worth $50 million

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It’s refreshing to see professional athletes stick to their roots after cashing their first big paycheck, and Cole is one of the biggest examples. Before his playoff start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night, Cole revealed that he still drives the first car he ever owned.

Even though Cole could afford to whip around in any expensive car of his choosing, he still uses the car he’s been driving since he was a teenager — a 2006 Toyota Tacoma.

Maybe it’s because he doesn’t want to be noticed when he drives around the local streets, or maybe it’s just because he views the car as his baby. Either way, you might see Cole driving by in his old truck down the New York streets soon.

All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference. Net worth courtesy of Celebrity Net Worth.