World Series Championship in Doubt, Gerrit Cole's Struggles Come at the Worst Time.

Is Manager Aaron Boone worried? I think so

My memo- I am a Yankee fan, But I am not happy with Gerrit Cole performance.

Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees' highly paid ace, has been a figure of immense promise but also rising concern. Initially seen as the dominant workhorse capable of leading the Yankees to postseason glory, Cole’s recent performances have led to questions about his consistency, confidence, and pitch selection. After last night’s shaky performance, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the issues plaguing Cole go beyond fatigue. His knuckle curve, in particular, has been problematic, and his overall pitch selection seems to be giving opposing hitters far too many opportunities early in games. Most alarmingly, he's been giving up home runs in the early innings—an omen that bodes poorly for the Yankees' postseason aspirations.

Fatigue or Confidence: What’s Ailing Gerrit Cole?

At first, it seemed reasonable to chalk up Cole’s struggles to fatigue. After all, the long grind of a Major League season can wear down even the most talented arms. But as his problems persisted, and in fact worsened, it became clear that there’s more to it. Confidence, or rather the lack of it, appears to be a major issue. When a pitcher of Cole’s caliber starts faltering in high-leverage situations, especially early in games, you have to wonder if his belief in his own stuff is wavering.

His knuckle curve, once one of his most devastating weapons, has been inconsistent at best. It’s not biting like it used to, and hitters have started picking up on it, laying off when they sense it’s off or punishing it when it hangs. This decline in effectiveness is exacerbated by poor pitch selection, as Cole often leans on this knuckle curve when it clearly isn't working. As a result, opposing lineups are able to capitalize, particularly in those all-important early innings where momentum can swing drastically.

Home Run Problem in the Early Innings

One of the most glaring issues is Cole's tendency to give up home runs early in games. This wasn’t a problem earlier in his career, especially during his dominant 2019 season with the Houston Astros when he was virtually untouchable. But now, in crucial moments, especially against elite teams, he's being tagged for runs quickly, often putting the Yankees in an early deficit. While Cole can still rack up strikeouts and has the ability to go deep into games, these early home runs are becoming a pattern—one that has no easy fix. To be honest the wind in Yankee Stadium was very strong coming in, and not out, Cleveland did hit some off of Cole that was caught, Aaon Judge Home Run was high and hit the top of the fence.

In postseason games, where runs are at a premium and every pitch is scrutinized, falling behind early is a recipe for disaster. Cole’s inability to keep the ball in the yard in the first few innings is exactly what can sink a team in October, no matter how strong their offense or bullpen might be.

The Yankees’ World Series Hopes: A Tough Road Ahead

The question now looms: can the Yankees realistically win a World Series with Cole pitching like this? The answer, based on recent performances, is not promising. I’ve long held the view that the Yankees would struggle to make a deep playoff run, and if they somehow manage to get to the World Series, it would be more a reflection of Cleveland’s inability to capitalize on offensive chances than any sustained brilliance by the Yankees. The Guardians have had numerous chances but have struggled to convert them into runs.

However, even if the Yankees manage to make it past Cleveland, there’s a significant concern that other top-tier teams, like the New York Mets or the Los Angeles Dodgers, would expose Cole’s vulnerabilities in the World Series. Both of these teams have much better lineups than Cleveland, and they’ve proven they can score runs in bunches. Against a wavering Cole, either team would likely pose a much more difficult challenge.

Mets and Dodgers: Too Much Offense for Cole to Handle?

Both the Mets and the Dodgers are better hitting teams than Cleveland, and their offensive depth could exploit the cracks in Cole’s arsenal. The Mets, with their balanced attack and ability to work counts, would likely be able to get Cole out of games early, forcing the Yankees to rely heavily on their bullpen. Similarly, the Dodgers, who combine power and plate discipline, could hammer Cole’s mistakes, particularly those home run balls he’s been prone to serve up in the early innings.

In a high-pressure situation like the World Series, Cole’s confidence and execution will be tested like never before. The Mets and Dodgers are both well-rounded teams with deep rosters, and if Cole continues to struggle with his pitch selection and confidence, it’s hard to imagine the Yankees’ ace being able to outduel the elite hitters on these squads.

Is Cole Still the Yankees' Ace?

Given the Yankees’ huge financial commitment to Cole, he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. But the questions surrounding his ability to deliver when it counts are growing louder. If Cole can’t fix his pitch selection and regain the sharpness on his knuckle curve, he’ll continue to be a liability in the biggest moments. And for a team like the Yankees, who are perennially chasing World Series titles, that’s simply unacceptable.

Cole may still be the Yankees' ace on paper, but unless he turns things around quickly, he won’t be the one carrying them to postseason glory. The Yankees need him to be the shutdown ace they paid for, not the pitcher who’s been giving up home runs early and losing command of his pitches when the pressure’s on. If the Yankees are going to make a legitimate World Series run, Cole will have to do more than just be good—he'll need to be dominant. Right now, that seems far from guaranteed.

Final Thoughts

The Yankees’ World Series hopes hinge, in large part, on Gerrit Cole. But unless he can regain his confidence and adjust his pitch selection, especially early in games, it’s hard to see how they can overcome teams like the Mets or the Dodgers, who both boast superior lineups compared to Cleveland. Cole’s early-inning home run problem, coupled with his diminishing knuckle curve, raises serious concerns about whether he can be the pitcher to lead the Yankees to a championship.

If the Yankees make it to the World Series, it will be more because of the other teams’ weaknesses rather than their own dominance. But against a team like the Mets or Dodgers, who can produce runs in bunches, Cole’s current form may spell trouble for New York's championship dreams.