Gerrit Cole - Pitching Props

Gerrit Cole Prop Odds for 2020

When you take the combination of Gerrit Cole being a three-time All-Star who is coming off a 20-win season, the most strikeouts in the American League for 2019, and signing the biggest contract for a pitcher in major league history, he is going to draw a lot of attention. Add to the fact that Cole signed that $324 million deal with the New York Yankees and you get a level of hype that is over the top.

Cole’s arrival from the Houston Astros is seen by many as the final missing piece that will catapult the Bronx Bombers to their first World Series championship since 2009. Many gamblers are salivating at the possibilities Cole brings to the betting window.

However, many players post career seasons in their last year before free agency and then revert back to more normal numbers after getting the big payout.

Let’s examine some of the more popular props on Gerrit Cole for the 2020 campaign.

Odds provided by FanDuel (IN, NJ, PA & WV only)
Odds Subject to Change (T&C's Apply, 21+)

Gerrit Cole 2020 ERA Odds:

Over 2.90 -140, under 2.90 +100

On this one we have to take into account that Cole has pitched only two seasons in the American League with its designated hitter factor taken into account. Although it hasn’t seemed to matter as Cole has posted earned run averages of 2.88 in 2018 and 2.50 in 2019 with the American League Houston Astros. Previously with the National League Pittsburgh Pirates from 2013 through 2017 Cole’s best-earned run average was 2.60. In every other season he was at 3.22 or higher. The only concern is that Cole is coming off a career season. That being said the underdog price of under 2.90 is worth a flier.

Gerrit Cole 2020 Strikeout Odds:

Over 290 +100, Under 290 -140

Only once in his seven-season career has Cole gone over the posted strikeout total of 290. That was of course last year when he struck out 326 batter in a career high of 212.1 innings pitched. Cole will turn 30 in September and has no record of sustaining last year’s total. Under is the understandable chalk on this one.

Gerrit Cole 2020 Win Totals:

Over 15 -120, Under 15 -120

In his two seasons with the Astros, Cole posted win totals of 15 in 2018 and 20 in 2019. Only once in his five seasons at Pittsburgh did he go over the win total of 12 when he won 19 games in 2015. As a Yankee, Cole stands a strong chance of going over the total. First, he will be playing for a World Series favorite that has won 100 or more games the past two seasons. Second, he has arguably the best closer in the game finishing things up for him in the person of Aroldis Chapman. Chapman posted 37 saves in 2019 as the Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year award winner. All told, this one stands a strong chance of going over the total of 15.

Gerrit Cole Wins 2020 AL Cy Young:

No -1000, Yes +500

Cole has never won the Cy Young Award and the +500 price is not a bad one to ponder. On the positive he will be in pinstripes and getting all of the hype that the New York media has to offer. On the negative he is coming off the best season of his career and will be adjusting to a new team and stadium.

Gerrit Cole to have a 15+ Strikeout Game:

-135

Certainly, this is a longshot as Cole posted only one 15-strikeout performance last year in the regular season and had only one in the season prior to that. But one game is all that it takes to win the bet. Still, it’s not likely that he gets it done. His career strikeouts per nine innings is 10.062.

Gerrit Cole to have a 20+ Strikeout Game:

+2000

Cole’s best strikeout performance in the regular season is 16, which he achieved in 2018. He has never come close to 20 or more strikeouts in a game.