Despite a disappointing conclusion, Gerrit Cole turned in a pretty special season for the Yankees. Tasked with being the ace of a rotation that needed someone to provide innings, Cole stepped up with a 3.23 ERA, 2.92 FIP, and 1.059 WHIP in 30 starts. After a blip up in 2020, he brought his home run rate back to his 2019 ace form, led the AL in strikeout-to-walk ratio at 5.9, and in 181.1 innings, struck out 243 — the second-most in franchise history behind only Ron Guidry’s otherworldly 1978.
Nonetheless, Cole’s numbers were beaten in numerous categories across the board by surprise Blue Jays ace Robbie Ray.