New York Yankees ace pitcher Gerrit Cole earned his maiden CY Young award for his sensational stint on the mound in the 2023 season. Cole led the American League in ERA, innings pitched, and strikeouts, amongst many more. However, Cole’s absolute brilliance on the mound didn’t result in a successful season for the Bronx Bombers.
Regardless, on the brink of a new season, Gerrit Cole will strive to defend his CY Young title whilst ensuring a deep postseason run for his team, the New York Yankees. However, the pursuit will be easier said than done. As per former Reds All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier, Cole will face steep competition to retain the AL-CY Young title in 2024.
Todd Frazier Expects Tense Battle Between Gerrit Cole & Corbin Burnes For AL-CY Young In 2024
Former Cy Young award-winning pitcher Corbin Burnes was traded from Milwaukee Brewers to Baltimore Orioles last week. The trade came as a shock as the Brewers seem committed to extending Burnes’ contract. However, the reigning AL-East division winner, the Orioles, pulled off the bold move just days ahead of spring training. Needless to say, the addition of Burnes has just made Cole’s journey to the second CY Young title in 2024 tougher. Amid this, former All-Star infielder Todd Frazier recently revealed that he expects a close contest for CY Young in the American League this year. While Cole stood favorite, the addition of Burnes to the Orioles has changed the dynamics.
Gerrit Cole is coming off a sensational season with the New York Yankees. He went 15-4 with a 2.63 ERA across 33 starts. He also led AL in various pitching metrics. On the flip side, Corbin Burnes is also coming off an All-Star season. He finished the year with a 3.39 ERA and posted a 10-8 record for the Brewers. Notably, Burnes bagged a CY Young award back in 2021. Thus, the battle of two pitching stalwarts in the 2024 season will be one worth following for the MLB fans. Todd Frazier emphasizes that health will play a crucial factor. He feels the pitcher who pitches most starts will stand a better chance at trumping the competitive Al-East division. “If both of those guys are healthy to run through, it’s going to be a fun time going to the final stretches,” said Frazier on Foul Territory.
Aaron Boone Sees Corbin Burnes Trade To Orioles A Problem For Yankees
Meanwhile, New York Yankees skipper Aaron Boone shared his honest take on Corbin Burnes’ trade to the Baltimore Orioles. “That can be a little bit of a problem. That was my first reaction,” said Boone via The Athletic. The skipper feels Burnes is a pitcher of high pedigree. But overall, he is looking forward to competing against the best.
AL-East will remain highly competitive in 2024. Baltimore Orioles will strive to defend the division title. However, on the other hand, the New York Yankees won’t stand down either. They have built a stronger roster for this year. And on paper, the squad looks like a force to be reckoned with.
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