New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole has been crowned the American League Cy Young winner, and in a recent interview with MLB, he shared his excitement about facing some of the league’s best batters.
Interestingly, he included Shohei Ohtani on that list.
When asked which three batters he looks forward to facing, Cole responded, “I look forward to facing the best. I like facing George Springer, just a great challenge. Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, great challenge.”
While George Springer and Mike Trout are interesting choices, it was Cole’s mention of Shohei Ohtani that opened eyes.
Ohtani, recently announced as the 2023 AL MVP, is currently the most sought-after free agent in a very long time.
Not many pitchers express eagerness to face the two-way sensation. Cole, however, seems up for the challenge.
Checking in with AL Cy Young Award winner @GerritCole45. pic.twitter.com/jzNQnOsmIe
— MLB (@MLB) November 16, 2023
Cole’s Cy Young win wasn’t by accident. The 33-year-old pitcher has arguably been the best in the game over the past few years, but surprisingly, this was his first Cy Young award.
Cole, who finished second twice in Cy Young voting before, had five top-five Cy Young finishes prior to the 2023 season.
As we all know, the best competitors want to face the best and beat the best.
Credit to Cole for not shying away from that.
Having said all of this, is there a chance Cole and Ohtani are teammates come 2024?
Do the Yankees have a legitimate shot to sign Ohtani?
If not, where will he end up???