Blake Snell and Gerrit Cole Hit by Cy Young Curse? 2023 Winners Set to End 18-Year Streak

The 2024 MLB season is shaping up to be one filled with unexpected twists and turns. The reigning 2023 Cy Young winners, Blake Snell and Gerrit Cole, were expected to headline Opening Day for their teams. In an unprecedented twist of fate, neither reigning Cy Young winner will take the mound on Opening Day—a historic first in 18 years, since 2005.

Snell, the two-time Cy Young winner, remains a free agent; his price tag is a major stumbling block in negotiations. Cole, the New York Yankees’ ace, is battling an elbow injury that could sideline him until at least early June. Their absences are unprecedented. It seems the award has become somewhat of a double-edged sword for its recent winners. But is that all?

A roadblock for the reigning Cy Young Aces

Despite his accolades, Blake Snell’s asking price has become the elephant in the room. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Snell wants a two-year guarantee on his contract for $66 million with an opt-out after the 2024 season. The Houston Astros are intrigued, but they are also concerned that this deal would push them over the third luxury tax threshold. The San Francisco Giants are reportedly in the picture—but like other teams, they seem to be waiting for Snell to drop his demands.

This waiting game is starting to recall the drawn-out MLB offseason, which Evan Roberts of Audacy decries as “broken.” He points to other sports with their salary caps and signing deadlines as models MLB should emulate; these leagues create a frenzy of excitement that baseball sadly lacks. And across the country, the Yankees are reeling from Cole’s diagnosis.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman told the Daily Mail that if they had to clear a roster spot, Cole would be put on the 60-day injury list, keeping him out until late May at the earliest. The skipper advised, “Just give it some time and get it going again.”

Read More: 2023 Cy Young Aces Statistical Face Off: Gerrit Cole vs. Blake Snell

The Yankees, who were counting on Cole to anchor their rotation, may have to rethink their entire opening strategy. Could this injury derail their season before it even begins? It’s certainly a huge setback for a team with championship aspirations.

The stakes are high

The Astros, fresh off a World Series title, are eager to maintain their edge, and Blake Snell could be a significant addition. However, the window for their current core may be closing. Adding an ace of Cy Young caliber, even at a high price, could be the key to another championship run before key players like Verlander and Altuve begin showing their age.

The Yankees, under immense pressure in New York, could explore alternatives, including a surprise trade. Market reports speculate that despite his current unavailability, Snell’s softening price tag could tempt the Yankees into an unexpected move for the lefty ace. Could this be the breakthrough that finally lands him a team?

Meanwhile, the Yankees have named Nestor Cortes Jr. as their Opening Day starter. But even if Gerrit Cole does manage to return before June, will he be the dominant force he was last year?

With less than two weeks to go until Opening Day, the drama surrounding reigning Cy Young champions Blake Snell and Gerrit Cole is far from over. These two aces face a tough challenge: can they overcome their off-season setbacks and deliver the triumphant return fans are hoping for?

Read More: New York Yankees Gamble on Gerrit Cole’s Return, Is a Star Signing Needed Amidst Injury Crisis?