3 Yankees poised to start strong in shortened season

A look at three Yankees set to explode once the 2020 season begins

P Gerrit Cole

Oh, no shocking names on this list?

Well, that proves how strong this Yankees team is on paper. A trio of superstar players have the resumes to show that no matter how the 2020 season will look, the Yankees should still be at the top of their division.

Anyway, let’s talk about the Yankees’ new ace.

Throughout his career, Gerrit Cole managed to get off to strong starts in March and April. Now, the 2020 season will begin with the summer heat instead of cooler conditions but it doesn’t change the fact that pitchers will be facing batters in meaningful action for the first time.

When seasons typically begin, Cole is already at an elite level. Throughout his career, there’s been no such thing as an adjustment period. In 32 careers starts in the first month of the season, has a career 2.85 ERA, a 1.085 WHIP and a 10.4 K/9, the second-highest per month mark.

Much like LeMahieu, Cole has laser focus and a baseball first mentality. His thorough answers to the media throughout spring training show Cole’s appreciation of his craft. Both of their approaches bode well for an unprecedented stretch of baseball.

Of course, the pressure on Cole will be enormous. He just became the highest-paid pitcher in the history of baseball and expectations will be sky-high.

Luckily, Cole has the right mindset for New York.

“Pressure is a privilege,” Cole said at his introductory press conference in December.