Do the New York Yankees really have a true ace in Gerrit Cole?

After Gerrit Cole’s horrific performance on Wednesday, many New York Yankees fans are starting to question whether their beloved team really has a number one pitcher in Cole.

During their Wednesday afternoon game in the Bronx, the New York Yankees‘ so-called ace got hammered for six runs in the first inning by the Seattle Mariners. The Yankees were out of the game before stepping to the plate on their way to a 7-3 loss. Currently, the Mariners are ranked 23rd in MLB in hitting and they easily knocked Cole around on Wednesday.

Cole settled down after the first, but the damage was done.

Can the New York Yankees trust Gerrit Cole in big games?

As of now, Cole is the number one pitcher for the New York Yankees. However, with the Yankees acquiring starting pitcher Frankie Montas from the Oakland A’s, there might be some competition for the number one spot.

So far in 2022, Cole has a 3.56 ERA, which is ranked 28th among starting pitchers. Cole does have a 9-4 record, but I’m sure New York’s run support had a huge part in that. Surprisingly, Cole is ranked second in strikeouts with 107 and has 1.04 WHIP, which is tied for 14th among starting pitchers. Cole is still electric, striking out 107 batters, but has been giving up the long ball all year long (21 this season after surrendering 24 last season).

For some reason, Cole has been getting hit hard in the first inning, sporting a 5.32 ERA. Maybe he is not mentally ready for the game? Maybe he is not warmed up properly? The Yankees coaching staff needs to analyze this situation deeper to figure out how to get Cole on track early in the contest.

Has Cole earned his nine-year, $324 million contract? As of now, I would have to say no. The Gerrit Cole on the Houston Astros has been 10 times better than the Gerrit Cole on the Yankees.

So far, in every big game for the Yankees, Cole has been below average. If he can limit the number of home runs he gives up, he can get back to his normal self.

I am sure it doesn’t help pitching in Yankee Stadium, but Cole needs to figure it out before the playoffs start. The AL playoffs are going to run through New York and Cole will need to have his A-game if the Yankees are looking to make a playoff run.

My prediction? Look for Cole to make some improvements towards the end of the regular season, to the delight of New York Yankees fans.