Yankees’ Gerrit Cole reveals ex-Reds first baseman as most difficult hitter to pitch

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When it comes to identifying the most formidable opponent in his illustrious career, New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole doesn’t need to think twice. The six-time All-Star and reigning American League Cy Young Award winner recently named former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto as the batter who consistently gave him the most trouble throughout his 12 years in the majors.

Cole made the revelation during an appearance on the “Casa De Klub” podcast, hosted by former pitcher Corey Kluber and ex-Arizona Wildcat Tyler Casagrande, providing a fascinating glimpse into the psychological chess match between elite pitchers and hitters.

“I got to give Joey Votto a lot of credit, to be honest. A real mental war with that guy, as a rookie, and he had a 1.000 OPS,” Cole admitted. “I just never really got a good handle on it [facing Votto], and just ended up having to throw fastballs straight down the middle sometimes.”

The candid admission from one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers underscores Votto’s exceptional batting eye and disciplined approach that made him one of the most feared hitters of his generation.

Elite Cole recognizing elite Votto

Cole’s acknowledgment carries significant weight given his own standing in the game. Since making his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013, the 34-year-old right-hander has compiled a 153-80 record with a 3.18 ERA and 2,251 strikeouts. His trophy case includes the 2023 AL Cy Young Award and three All-MLB First Team selections.

Despite facing numerous Hall of Fame-caliber hitters throughout his career, including Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and José Altuve, Cole singled out Votto as the batter who consistently challenged him like no other.

Votto, who retired in 2024 after 17 seasons with the Reds, finished his career with six All-Star appearances, the 2010 National League MVP award, and a Gold Glove. The Canadian-born slugger was renowned for his plate discipline and ability to work deep counts, skills that clearly troubled even elite pitchers like Cole.

Max Fried looks to Cole for guidance

As Cole reflected on past battles with Votto, his new rotation partner Max Fried is focused on absorbing as much knowledge as possible from the Yankees’ ace. Fried, who joined the Yankees this offseason on an eight-year, $218 million contract, expressed his eagerness to learn from Cole’s preparation and approach.

“He [Gerrit Cole] has got a Cy Young, and he consistently seems to be in the conversation for the best pitchers in the world. Year in and year out, he knows exactly what he needs to do to be successful, and he’s extremely knowledgeable and talented,” Fried said via YES Network.

The 30-year-old left-hander, who established himself as one of baseball’s premier pitchers during his tenure with the Atlanta Braves, sees tremendous value in studying Cole’s methods.

“To be able to just sit and watch him work, observe his routine, and see the way he goes about his preparation and everything—I’m going to do as much as I can to soak up as much as I can,” Fried added. “At the end of the day, we’re here to win. Anything I can learn from him that I can add to my game, I’m all ears.”

Yankees’ rotation poised for a big year

The pairing of Cole and Fried gives the Yankees one of baseball’s most formidable rotation duos heading into the 2025 season. After a disappointing exit in the 2024 American League Championship Series, New York’s front office made acquiring Fried their top priority to strengthen a rotation already anchored by Cole.

Baseball analysts project the Yankees as strong World Series contenders, with their starting pitching widely regarded as a key strength. The team’s rotation depth also includes Marcus Stroman, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil, forming what many consider the deepest starting five in the American League.

For Cole, the memories of battling Votto serve as both a reminder of baseball’s mental challenges and the respect between elite competitors. While Votto has hung up his cleats, his impact remains evident in the admiration expressed by one of this generation’s most dominant pitchers.

As spring training progresses in Tampa, the dynamic between Cole and Fried continues to develop, with the veteran sharing insights gained from facing countless elite hitters—including his toughest opponent, Joey Votto.

One thing is certain: the Yankees’ rotation is built to compete, and their pitching staff could be the key to a deep postseason run.

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