Barring a collapse, there isn’t much doubt as to who will win the Cy Young Award in the American League. Gerrit Cole deserves this title and should be the recipient.
But before receiving his prize, the right-hander will return this evening to where it all began, to PNC Park.
Since the Pirates traded him in 2017, Cole pitched against his former team in Houston in 2019, then returned to Pittsburgh with the New York Yankees last season, but did not pitch in the Series.
It is therefore a highly anticipated moment for the main party concerned.
I am delighted. I’m just excited. I haven’t been on this mound in six years. This is where I started, so it’ll be cool.
This will be Cole’s 65th start on the mound at Pirates Stadium, also on Roberto Clemente Day. This adds to the emotion of the event, even if Cole will not be able to face his former teammate Andrew McCutchen, who is currently on the injured list.
It’s sick. Wow, what a day. I didn’t think I could be more excited for this. He’s a monumental player. I have a bit of a strong connection to his legacy because I played for them and because I knew so many people who knew him, which is why it means a bit more to me.
Even though the vast majority of Pirates players and staff have changed over the years, Gunner listed a long list of behind-the-scenes employees he’s eager to see again, from public relations executives to video coordinators , through the broadcasters.
However, Cole doesn’t want to let nostalgia stop him from putting the finishing touches on one of the best seasons of his career.
