Angels manager Joe Maddon congratulated Brian Cashman Tuesday night for winning the Gerrit Cole sweepstakes.
The two were in the same restaurant when word leaked that the Yankees were to sign the ace to a record nine-year, $324 million, and the moment was witnessed by The Post’s Ken Davidoff.
Both of their teams — as well as the Dodgers — were the favorites to sign the 29-year-old ace at the MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego.
Cole is from Newport Beach, Calif., located near the Angels’ stadium, and grew up rooting for the Yankees.
The righthander’s new contract will surpass Stephen Strasburg’s recently signed seven-year, $245 million deal with the Nationals as the record for a pitcher.