While Cole acknowledges the honor of receiving the Cy Young award, recognizing his stellar performance with a 2.63 ERA and 222 strikeouts in 209 innings, his ultimate desire remains securing a World Series championship. In contemplating the Yankees’ disappointing 82-80 season, Cole wasted no time addressing the team’s critical issue: injuries that extend beyond the ordinary.
Expressing concern about the frequency of injuries affecting the team as a whole, Cole stressed the imperative for improvement. This concern is particularly acute when considering the rotation, a unit he spearheads. Despite the initial optimism about the Yankees having one of the best rotations in the game, the reality was starkly different. Cole and Clarke Schmidt found themselves as the last men standing, surrounded by a crumbling rotation plagued by injuries to Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, Luis Severino, and Frankie Montas.
While Rodon and Cortes have returned and reportedly had strong offseasons, the challenge lies in proving their ability to stay healthy throughout the entire season. The success of the rotation hinges on this crucial factor, with potential high but risk equally elevated due to past health concerns.
Cole’s admiration extended to Stroman, emphasizing his status as one of the highest and fiercest competitors in the game. He appreciated the diversity Stroman brings to the rotation as a ground-ball pitcher, underscoring its importance.
In discussing Rodon, Cole expressed confidence in the left-hander’s professionalism, expecting him to handle his business adeptly. Notably, Rodon has been diligently working out in Tampa for over a month, a positive sign as the team looks ahead to the challenges and aspirations of the 2024 season.
