Gerrit Cole, widely known as one of the best pitchers in baseball, is still in search of his first CY Young Award. The New York Yankees’ mediocrity has badly damaged the ace’s odds. This season, as the Yanks prepare to fall out of the playoff contention, Cole continues to shine. He recently recorded his 100th career start, which ended up on a bad note.
Since signing the nine-year $324 contract with the Yankees in 2020, Gerrit Cole has led the league in strikeouts (760) and scripted franchise history with the most strikeouts in a season (257). The 32-year-old is currently in the prime of his career. But the Yanks are failing to make the most out of it. Under these circumstances, will Cole take matters into his own hands to secure his future?
Gerrit Cole Could Part Ways With Yankees If The Mediocrity Perpetuates
Gerrit Cole has everything one expects of an elite pitcher. However, his excellence and standards do not match with the New York Yankees’ current brand of baseball. The Bronx Bombers are nothing but mediocre. Cole, deep down, knows that he has few years left in his prime, and with the Yankees, he might not be able to win a championship in the near future. Hence, Cole might take extreme steps to secure his future. The pitcher is currently in the third year of his nine-year contract. However, his contract has an opt-out clause at the conclusion of the 2024 season. If Gerrit exercises his opt-out clause, the Yanks have the right to void the opt-out by adding an additional year.
In simpler terms, Cole’s nine-year contract could be reduced to five years. So the question is, will Gerrit Cole take such a step and enter free agency at the age of 34? Well, it seems the right choice for the ace. His current form and past record will fetch him a better contract in the free agency market. Moreover, he has an option of reuniting with the Astros to claim his first-ever championship. One thing is certain, the Yankees cannot provide him with what he is looking for. Hence, rather than wasting his prime in a mediocre team, Cole can land somewhere where his talent is appreciated and put to good use. As far as the Yankees are concerned, they need to up their game to retain their star players. The organization must undergo a leadership change to turn things around.
Latest Stats Reveal How Yanks Have Let Down Gerrit Cole
Gerrit Cole has been the New York Yankees’ best pitcher this season. In 25 starts, he has recorded a 2.76 ERA with 166 strikeouts. However, the team has failed to capitalize on it. As per Katie Sharp of Stathead, the Yanks have lost 7 games where Gerrit Cole started and pitched 6+ innings while allowing 2 or fewer runs this season. That is the most by any pitcher in MLB.
The lack of support from the bullpen and offense has trashed Gerrit Cole’s salient efforts on the mound. Moreover, as per the Yankee’s current brand of baseball, things are just going to get tougher from here on. With 6.5 games behind the playoff wildcard spot, the Bronx Bombers’ playoff dream is going to come crashing down soon.