Gerrit Cole and Blake Snell are the two current Cy Young winners. After a fabulous season with the San Diego Padres, Snell won the National League Cy Young Award last year. On the other hand, Cole won the American League Cy Young Award after a career-best season with the New York Yankees. He was the only Yankee in 2023 to live up to the expectations of the fans. However, the rookie Anthony Volpe was quite impressive as well. But last season saw the NY side had a disastrous season. The Yankees failed to make the postseason for the first time since 2016. Moreover, they finished fourth in the American League East with an 82-80 record.
However, the only bright side of the disastrous season for the Bronx Bombers was Gerrit Cole. He has been the NY side’s only ace pitcher for a long time. But last year, he alone could not seal the deal for the 27-time champions. Hence, the fans wanted Blake Snell to join the Yankees in the offseason to form a perfect pair alongside Cole. With two current Cy Young winners, the Bronx Bomber’s starting pitching lineup would have been the strongest in the league. However, it seems both the Cy Young winners will be unavailable for the Opening Day in 2024. It has not happened in MLB for a long time since 2005.
2023 Cy Young Winners Will End 18-Year Streak
The Two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell is still the most sought-after starting pitcher in free agency. Spring Training is coming to an end, and the league is heading to the Opening Day. Moreover, Major League Baseball is about to witness something that has not happened for 18 years. On one hand, Snell remains a free agent, and on the other, Gerrit Cole sustained a right elbow injury that will keep him out for the next one to two months. Fans generally expect the Cy Young winners to headline the opening day for their teams.
Blake Snell threw four simulated innings on Friday in Seattle in front of scouts from teams including the Giants and Astros, per source. Those in attendance were said to be impressed with how ready he looks.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 15, 2024
Gerrit Cole said he is not scheduled to get any PRP injections. “Just rest and recovery.” Will keep his arm live with plyo exercises, etc. until he can resume throwing. Said it is too soon to look at the calendar and circle a return date.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 16, 2024
Perhaps it’s the Cy Young Curse that won’t let the two winners pitch on the opening day in 2024. Both Cole and Snell are Scott Boras’s clients. And Boras is pretty well known for keeping his clients waiting until he finds the perfect deal. Perhaps that’s what is happening with Blake Snell. Lately, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale mentioned Snell wants a two-year deal worth $66 million. Moreover, the contract must have an opt-out clause for 2024. Currently, the Houston Astros and the San Francisco Giants are interested in Snell. But they would like to see Snell drop his demands like other teams.
Gerrit Cole May Return In Late May
Perhaps the injury to the Yankees ace derailed their season even before it began. Last year, the long Injured List (IL) with several key players on it for a long time ruined the previous season. The Bronx Bombers would pray that history does not repeat itself.
Moreover, the Yankees GM told Daily Mail that if the side clears a roster spot, they might put the AL 2023 Cy Young winner on the 60-day IL. Initially, the team was planning for Cole to anchor the rotation. But now, the Yankees have to rethink their strategy. Cole might return in late May at the earliest. Aaron Boone said all they can do is give it some time and get that going again.
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