New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole had a phenomenal season in 2023.
Even though his team had one of its worst campaigns in recent memory, Cole was at his finest and posted some incredible numbers all year long.
As a result, he has been selected as one of the three finalists for the Cy Young award in the American League, together with Minnesota Twins ace Sonny Gray and Toronto Blue Jays righty Kevin Gausman.
The Yankees, of course, were there to congratulate their frontline starter for his nomination.
Congratulations to @GerritCole45 on being named a 2023 AL Cy Young Finalist 👏 pic.twitter.com/beLnSCOPFU
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) November 6, 2023
Cole is the heavy favorite to win his first AL Cy Young award.
He has had some fantastic seasons and was probably deserving of the award in 2019, when he was with the Houston Astros and his teammate Justin Verlander won, and in 2021 with the Yankees.
Robbie Ray won it that year.
In 2023, Cole had a brilliant 2.63 ERA in 209 frames, with 222 strikeouts against just 48 walks.
His 15-4 record also helps him in the eyes of the more traditionalist voters.
It’s sad to think where the 82-80 Yankees would have been without Cole in 2023.
They probably would have had their first losing record since 1992.
Cole was the sole bright spot in an otherwise disappointing rotation.
Frankie Montas and Carlos Rodon were slowed by injuries, and the latter was plagued by ineffectiveness when he returned.
The same can be said about Nestor Cortes Jr., and Domingo German was both inconsistent and irresponsible.
Only Clarke Schmidt offered some consistency besides Cole on the Yanks’ staff.
In all likelihood, if common sense prevails, Cole will be taking home his first Cy Young in a matter of days.
