Gerrit Cole vs Jacob deGrom: Who is New York’s Finest?
Beyond the numbers
When debating the King of New York, there are factors outside of baseball that contribute to one taking the throne. First is one’s ability to navigate the media.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Interestingly, this is another area where Cole and deGrom are similar. They both emit a very calm and quiet persona that does not take away from their competitiveness on the mound. DeGrom has done an incredible job of staying out of the limelight in an organization that has been full of drama throughout his career. Cole hasn’t faced a booing home crowd in the Bronx yet, but he has said all the right things thus far. In the ALCS, he proved he can dominate in Yankee Stadium in October.
The next factor the ability to connect with the fanbase. Jacob deGrom is a home-grown Met, and has become one of the most beloved members of the Mets organization. He has been incredible on the field with the Mets, and he has never said the wrong thing. He appears as though he wants to be a Met for life, and the fans are willing to have him. Cole, on the other hand, is entering his first season in New York. However, Yankee fans have welcomed him with open arms, and are relying on him to carry them to the World Series. Cole embraces the pressure, and has always wanted to be a Yankee.
With his 9 year contract, Cole has plenty of time to cement himself as a Yankee legend. However, deGrom is already a Mets legend, so he gets the edge here.
Advantage: Jacob deGrom
Verdict
Jacob deGrom and Gerrit Cole have had two remarkably similar careers, and now they get to share the centerstage in New York City. Being a member of the Yankees, Cole will undoubtedly get more media attention than deGrom, especially since the Yankees are expected to win big this year. If he performs like he has the past two seasons, he very well might become the King of New York. However, right now the crown belongs to deGrom. At 31 years old, deGrom does not plan on slowing down anytime soon. He has spent his entire career with the Mets, enduring the ups and downs that come with being a Met. Now, he is their 2-time Cy Young and the face of their franchise, and the undisputed King of New York’s starting pitchers.
Cole is still just 29, and his best years could still be ahead of him. He will fight for that crown, and while he does, Yankee and Mets fans will debate for years to come.
New York’s Finest: Jacob deGrom