One of the best things about loving a sport is witnessing the rise of an underdog. When one expects a team or a player to go in only one direction – down – but they surprise the spectators by doing a 180. This season, Gerrit Cole has done the same for the New York Yankees. The pitcher had a few excellent outings in 2022 but by spring training in 2023, fans were disappointed. What would the defense in 2023 be like?

In a completely unexpected turnaround, the offense imploded all throughout the season. Instead, it was the bullpen that shouldered much of the roster’s burden and who would be the top performer but their ace. While The Yankees are not making it to the postseason for the first time since 2016, Cole has given a Cy Young-worthy performance. For many, it’s strange to look back on MLB’s predicted list of good starters in the league.

MLB Network Left Out Gerrit Cole on a Top Starters’ List

In February 2023, teams were gearing up to get back to ballparks from a long winter break. Bronx fans were cursing the front office for not trading or selling for new additions to the roster. The only major player that The Yankees signed was Carlos Rodon for $162 million. There were high expectations and in a list released by MLB, Rodon ranked at number 3 in top starters.

The other nine names included Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Julio Urias, Corbin Burnes, Sandy Alcantara, Max Fried, Zac Wheeler, Jacob deGrom, and of course, Shohei Ohtani. By September end, only a handful had met the expectations set by fans. Instead, Gerrit Cole, left off the list entirely, has pitched an excellent season even if his team has let him down badly.

What’s strange is that 2022 had a great ending with Cole becoming the first Yankees pitcher to strike out 250+ batters in a single season. He was also the first right-hander in Pinstripes to lead the league in strikeouts. Now although 2023 is about to end with no October baseball, as many predicted, Cole has been insistent on pitching his best. He is well on his way to winning the first Cy Young Award of his career and is a huge favorite around the baseball fanbase.

Baseball Fans Are In Disbelief Over MLB Overlooking Cole

Yankees nation may be cursing their sluggers for a lack of performance but Cole is their current favorite superstar. Up against the hated Toronto Blue Jays recently, even with no postseason chances, the Yankees ace delivered a second shutout this season. Needless to say, everyone is impressed. When a fan account reposted the list, many had choice words for the league.

One called the list ‘garbage.’

One couldn’t believe Rodon was on the list.

Another summed up how the rest of the pitchers had done in 2023.

One made a future prediction and couldn’t believe the disrespect Cole received.

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Now all that remains is counting the ballots. Many believe Gerrit Cole will win by an overwhelming majority!

READ MORE – “My Ace is Accountable”: New York Yankees Fans Praise $324 Million Star Gerrit Cole Despite Horrific Spring Training Outing