Gerrit Cole is off to a terrific start in Spring Training and New York Yankees fans are taking notice. Cole is the ace for the Yankees and all eyes will be on him any time he takes the mound. His early results in Spring Training are pointing toward him having a tremendous season in 2023, which the Yankees desperately need.
Cole was an All-Star in 2022 and pitched for a blistering ERA of 3.50. He also led MLB with 257 strikeouts. However, he also gave up more home runs than any pitcher in the American League. So, while he is dominant, he also gives up a considerable amount of runs on big plays that can swing the game.
Talkin' Yanks on Twitter shared the statistics of Cole's impressive start.
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Gerrit Cole has been the target of plenty of criticism during the season, but he almost always gets the last laugh. The five-time All-Star is a perrenial Cy Young award contender and this could finally be the season he wins the award. If he can be one of the top pitchers in MLB, the Yankees will be one of the best teams.
A strong Spring Training is not always indicative of a strong regular season, but it is better than starting poorly. Especially for one of the game's more established pitchers. Cole and the New York Yankees are targeting the American League East crown. Cole will have to routinely shut down sluggers such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Rafael Devers.
A hot start to Spring Training can help build a player’s confidence, which is especially important for pitchers. The mental side of pitching is arguably more important than the physical side and confidence can make a huge difference. The New York Yankees and their stars are rarely lacking in the confidence department.
Gerrit Cole is the New York Yankees' ace and he needs to be at his best for the team to win in 2023.
Can New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole win the Cy Young award in 2023?
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The American League hosts some incredible pitchers who could win the prestigious award, and Gerrit Cole is at the top of that list. Toronto Blue Jays star Alek Manaoh and Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom will also be contending.
If Gerrit Cole can carry this momentum from Spring Training into and beyond Opening Day, the award will be his to lose.