New York Yankees’ leading pitcher, Gerrit Cole, will enter this season with a lot on stake as the latter moves into the fourth year of the contract.
Gerrit Cole became a household name in New York when the Yankees signed a nine-year contract worth $324 million with the pitcher. Subsequently, Cole became the costliest pitcher in the history of MLB. On top of that, Gerrit has an opt-out option after the fifth year of the deal, which the Yankees can stall by adding another $36 million to his existing payroll.
After making his debut in 2019, Cole has grown to be one of the finest pitchers the New York Yankees have ever had. Just last season, the pitcher registered record 257 strikeouts with an ERA of 3.50. While the records and numbers speak louder than any words can ever do, his recent performance in front of the home crowd has been disappointing. Moreover, the arrival of a strong arm, Carlos Rodon, has further induced a sense of insecurity and pressure on Gerrit to shine through somehow.
Can Gerrit Cole Maintain His Spot At The Top?
The New York Yankees starting rotation is one of the strongest the club has had in a while. Starting from Gerrit Cole at the top to Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, Luis Severino, and Frankie Montas following the lead. However, the Yanks’ success rate of the season will mostly depend on the top two starters, Cole and Rodon. While Gerrit had led the charge of the rotation for the last three years, he badly missed a comrade at the second spot. In Rodon, Cole has found a confidant. But will Carlos steal Cole’s limelight?
As the Yankees have signed Gerrit Cole in a massive nine-year deal, they indeed would not consider demoting the starter at the second spot. Hence, Carlos Rodon will start second behind Cole. Moreover, if you compare the recent numbers, the southpaw beats the 32-year-old. Thus, Cole is feeling the heat to step up in the Bronx, especially in the postseason. On failed year would lead to heavy criticism surrounding the contract and payroll for the starting pitcher. Hence, Gerrit has to overshadow Rodon this season.
Cole-Rodon Duo Predicted To Script History In 2023
Keeping the personal rivalry aside, the Yankees will need the Gerrit Cole-Carlos Rodon duo to be at their very best in the upcoming 2023 MLB season. To further uplift the Yanks’ spirits, MLB journalist Sarah Langs has a piece of good news. According to her 2023 MLB season projections, the Cole-Rodon duo will record 483 strikeouts combined, with Cole at 249 and Rodon at 234.
Gerrit Cole is projected for 249 strikeouts, per Steamer, and Carlos Rodón is projected for 234
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) January 17, 2023
just 15 teams since 1900 have had multiple pitchers with 230+ K’s in a season
– the Yankees have never done it
– Cole has been part of 2 of the 15
⬇️ pic.twitter.com/AIgbbNZDgJ
The numbers are a significant confidence booster for the Yanks as the team reels under injury concerns. The Bombers have already lost their fifth starter, Frankie Montas, to a shoulder injury. Hence, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon will feel added responsibility on their shoulders. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees fans have laid lots of hope for the club’s current roster to contest the years’ long-awaited World Series title.