Gerrit Cole had a bittersweet experience in 2023. On one hand, he had the strongest season of his career and won the Cy Young award. On the other hand, the New York Yankees barely held on to its winning form and had its worst season since the ’90s. So it’s no surprise that he has now given an honest assessment about what the Yankees need to do if they want to win the World Series. 

The skipper Aaron Boone had announced that the Bombers were “hell-bent” to win a World Series. While this did raise hopes among the fans, they quickly pointed out the systemic issues plaguing the organization. Cole pointed those issues out while being confident about the future of the Pinstripes. 

Gerrit Cole speaks out the truth!

The central theme of the Yankees’ season in 2023 was the catastrophic injury trouble that befell the organization. Throughout the season, apart from Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt Bombers’ lineup, was left decimated. Injuries constantly troubled Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes Jr., and Luis Severino. As a result, despite Cole’s ridiculous numbers, the Yankees meandered on. As reported by the New York Post, the Cy Young winner referred to this injury crisis. 

“Certainly there were injuries that are outside of the normal realm of injuries that have impacted us…With that said, we get injured too much as a group. We need to improve.” Cole said. He clearly acknowledges that injuries have dampened what could have been a hopeful season, resulting in a disheartening outcome. 

The Yankees haven’t changed their lineup much since last season. The only radical change has been the departure of Luis Severino and the arrival of Marcus Stroman. However, Stroman also struggled from injuries in the second half of 2023. So, in a way, the Pinstripes are hoping that its pitchers do not repeat the injury crisis of 2023.

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Things do look more positive, especially as Rodon and Cortes Jr., have recouped themselves back in form. Moreover, Cole noted this and had some high praise for Rodon. 

The New York Yankees ace praises Carlos Rodon

“I think we’d all be thrilled if he (Rodon) could return back to that peak for…With that said we can win a lot of games if he’s just out there competing for us,” Cole said while talking about Rodon. He noted that the competitiveness of the left-hander was what set him apart from the rest. Cole hoped to see more of that fire from Rodon in 2024.

In GM Brian Cashman’s words, hitting could solve many issues, but “pitching’s always the keys to the kingdom.” The Cy Young winner believes that pitching is what will lead the Yankees to the postseason and beyond. Certainly, he isn’t wrong and this time, health could prove to be wealth for the Pinstripes.

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