In his third year, many thought that this would be the year that Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole would have his breakout season. The 24-year-old 2011 Pirates first-round pick hasn’t disappointed, as he’s put up ace-like numbers for the Pirates.
It isn’t just Pittsburgh noticing, either, as Cole has been named to his first All-Star game.
After his start on Sunday, the California native has a 2.28 ERA, which is good for eighth best in baseball. Those in front of him include Chris Archer, Zack Greinke, Max Scherzer, Shelby Miller, Dallas Keuchel, Sonny Gary and teammate A.J. Burnett.
Cole also leads all of baseball with 12 wins, as he sports an 12-3 record on the season in 16 starts.
Cole’s 108 strikeouts this season are good for 13th in baseball.
Cole has already passed by his win total from last year, and he has surpassed his 10 wins from two seasons ago.
Cole has also improved on his ERA (3.65 to 2.28), WHIP (1.21 to 1.15), hits per nine (8.3 to 7.9) and strikeouts per nine (9 to 9.2) from a season ago.
Cole becomes just the second player drafted by general manager Neal Huntington to be named to the All-Star game, with the other being current first baseman and then third baseman Pedro Alvarez in 2013. Alvarez went 0-1 in the contest.
