Cole’s Crown: 2023 AL Cy Young winner solidifies status as Yankees’ ace powerhouse

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Last week, Major League Baseball unveiled the finalists for the prestigious 2023 Cy Young Award in both the National and American Leagues. All eyes turned to the formidable Yankees pitcher, Gerrit Cole, who can now celebrate securing this coveted award.

Gerrit Cole shines with the 2023 American League Cy Young Award win

But why did Cole win this trophy? Well, it’s essential to note that Gerrit Cole concluded the year as one of the standout players for the New York Yankees in 2023. Quite an accomplishment, considering the team didn’t make it to the playoffs this season.

Why did he deserve to win?

Cole’s 2023 season was a dazzling display of skill and resilience. Matching his career peak, he pitched in 33 games, leading the league in this regard, and threw a total of 209 innings. Notably, he secured two complete-game shutouts, earned 15 victories, and finished the season fifth in baseball with an impressive 222 strikeouts.

A statistical powerhouse, Cole’s remarkable 2.63 ERA not only led the American League but also positioned him second in the broader baseball landscape, behind only National League Cy Young Award finalist Blake Snell. Furthermore, he outshone all pitchers with an exceptional 7.5 WAR, underscoring his invaluable contribution to the team.

Throughout his fourth year donning the Yankees’ jersey, Cole emerged as a stalwart at the top of the team’s rotation, embodying the essence of a true “workhorse.” His consistent performance throughout the season solidified his position as one of the league’s premier pitchers.

With anticipation reaching its peak, all eyes were on November 15, the date marked for the Cy Young Award announcement. The culmination of extraordinary efforts and Cole’s stellar season finally materialized with the achievement of his first and well-deserved Cy Young honor, adding a shining jewel to an already illustrious career.

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