Phillies: Power Ranking the Top 5 Free Agent Pitchers

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches during the third inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 24: Starter Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros delivers a pitch during the second inning of a game against the Seattle Marinersat T-Mobile Park on September 24, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

#1 Gerrit Cole

Cole led the MLB in strikeouts, ERA+, and strikeouts per 9 innings. He also led the American League in ERA and FIP. He was selected to his third All-Star Game in 2019 and is surely a lock for the AL Cy Young award. He’s given up just one singular run through 22.2 innings of work this current postseason, and is now on his way to his first career World Series.

As I sit here and analyze Cole and what he brings to the table, it’s pretty much impossible to find a weakness in his game. His four-seam fastball has been pretty much unhittable this season, recording an opponent batting average of .172 and a top velocity in the 100s. His slider has clocked in as fast as 95.8mph with an opponent batting average of .183, and both his curveball and changeup have been elite, recording opponent batting averages in the low .200s.

Standing at a monsterous 6’ 4” 225lbs, and at the ripe age of 29, Cole is something created out of a science lab. Whether rebuilding or contending, Cole would immediately slot into every team’s #1 pitcher role, instantly imporivng the club. With a potential World Series championship on the horizon, life is only going to get better for the young righty in Houston.

Similar to Bryce Harper this past offseason, Cole will be the crown jewel of the winter. Every team in the MLB will be in on him, and he will without a doubt receive the largest pitcher contract in sports history.