The MLB world was shaken by the news that Houston Astros ace Gerrit Cole, the reigning American League Cy Young award-winner, will miss significant time at the start of the upcoming season due to an elbow injury. This latest setback adds to a concerning trend among recent Cy Young award winners.
A look back at past winners shows a pattern of struggles with health or performance in the following season. Justin Verlander, who signed a lucrative contract with the Mets in 2022, missed time due to a low-grade teres major strain before being traded to the Astros. Similarly, Robbie Ray’s ERA jumped after signing a big deal with the Mariners following his successful 2021 season with the Blue Jays. Shane Bieber, who tested positive for COVID and dealt with injury issues in 2021 after winning the Cy Young in 2020, also exemplifies this trend.
While there have been exceptions like Corey Kluber, who performed well after his Cy Young win in 2017, there have been more instances of struggles post-award. Rick Porcello went from leading the league in wins in 2016 to leading in losses and homers allowed in 2017 for the Red Sox. Dallas Keuchel’s ERA spiked in 2016 due to pitching through shoulder discomfort, and Corey Kluber also had a tough follow-up season after his 2014 Cy Young win.
Only time will tell if Gerrit Cole can defy the odds and return to form once he is back on the mound. In the meantime, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this latest chapter in the Cy Young curse unfolds. Stay tuned to Heartland Magazine for more updates on this developing story.
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