“He’s Not an Elite Pitcher Anymore” — MLB Fans Are Turning On One Superstar
Every season, MLB fans debate which pitchers are still elite — the true aces who dominate lineups, carry rotations, and strike fear into hitters. But every year, a few stars slip from that tier. Some lose velocity. Some lose command. Others, fans say, simply lose the aura that once made them untouchable.
This week, when fans were asked which MLB pitcher isn’t elite anymore, one name came up more than any other — and the replies were blunt.
That name was Gerrit Cole.
Fans Say Cole Isn’t the Same Ace He Once Was
Gerrit Cole was once viewed as the most dominant pitcher in baseball. Fans acknowledge that. They praise his strikeout ability, his velocity, his durability, and the stretches where he looked unhittable. But they also say the way he’s still talked about — as a top‑five pitcher, a Cy Young‑level ace, and the anchor of the Yankees’ rotation — doesn’t line up with his recent performance.
One fan wrote:
“He’s not elite anymore. People just don’t want to admit it.”
Another added:
“He’s still good, but he’s not the ace he used to be.”
A third fan didn’t hold back:
“He’s living off his name at this point.”
Fans weren’t divided. They overwhelmingly pointed to Cole as the superstar whose elite status has quietly faded.
Why Fans Say Cole Isn’t Elite Anymore
Fans pointed to three major reasons, and they repeated them constantly.
1. His Velocity and Stuff Aren’t What They Used To Be
This was the biggest complaint.
“Hitters don’t look scared anymore.”
Fans argue that Cole’s fastball doesn’t overpower hitters the way it once did. They say his velocity dips, reduced movement, and less explosive breaking stuff have made him more hittable.
2. His Dominance Has Become Inconsistent
Fans pointed to his game‑to‑game results.
“He’s not shutting teams down like an ace.”
They argue that Cole’s outings fluctuate too much — dominant one week, shaky the next. Fans say elite pitchers deliver consistency, and Cole hasn’t done that recently.
3. The Sticky‑Stuff Era Changed Everything
This came up repeatedly.
“He hasn’t been the same since the crackdown.”
Fans argue that Cole’s performance noticeably shifted after MLB’s foreign‑substance enforcement began. They say his spin rates dropped, his command wavered, and his dominance faded.
Other Pitchers Mentioned — But Not Nearly as Much
A few other names came up:
- Yu Darvish — “Aging, inconsistent.”
- Chris Sale — “Not elite anymore.”
- Robbie Ray — “One great season, then decline.”
But none of them came close to Cole in total mentions.
Fans said his combination of contract size, declining stuff, and fading dominance made him the clearest answer.
Supporters Tried To Defend Him
Not everyone agreed, and Cole still has defenders.
One fan wrote:
“He’s still a top‑tier pitcher.”
Another added:
“He just needs to stay healthy.”
Some argued that Cole’s struggles weren’t about him — they were about injuries, rotation instability, and the pressure of being the highest‑paid pitcher in MLB history. They said he’s judged more harshly because expectations are sky‑high every season.
But even supporters admitted he’s not the same pitcher he once was.
The Real Issue: Reputation vs Reality
Fans who criticize Cole say the gap between his current production and his superstar reputation is impossible to ignore.
They pointed to three differences:
- He’s still treated like an ace. He’s producing like a mid‑rotation arm.
- He’s still marketed as elite. His numbers aren’t elite.
- He’s still viewed as dominant. Hitters don’t fear him the same way.
One fan summed it up perfectly:
“He’s good. But he’s not elite anymore.”
Another fired back:
“He doesn’t need to be elite to still be valuable.”
But the majority disagreed — loudly.
To fans, Cole’s decline is obvious — even if nobody wants to say it out loud.
Why Fans Think Cole Has Fallen Out of the Elite Tier
Fans broke down the specifics:
Declining Velocity
They say his fastball doesn’t overpower hitters anymore.
Reduced Strikeout Rates
Fans argue he’s not missing bats at an elite level.
Less Command
They pointed out that he’s leaving more pitches over the plate.
Aging Curve
Fans say pitchers often decline quickly once they hit their mid‑30s.
The Yankees’ Situation Makes the Narrative Bigger
Fans also pointed to the franchise around him.
One fan wrote:
“He’s not the ace the Yankees paid for.”
Another added:
“He’s still good, but he’s not carrying the rotation.”
Fans say Cole’s decline has impacted the Yankees’ identity. When he’s at his best, the rotation looks dangerous. When he’s not, they look vulnerable and inconsistent. They argue that the team’s struggles mirror Cole’s fading dominance.
They also said the AL is too competitive for New York to rely on a declining ace.
Final Verdict
Fans named several players, but one answer dominated:
Gerrit Cole was overwhelmingly called the MLB pitcher who is no longer elite — and fans are turning on him fast.
Not because he lacks skill. Not because he isn’t still productive. But because fans believe his velocity, command, and overall impact have declined.
He still has experience. He still produces strong outings. He still flashes ace ability.
But fans say potential isn’t enough anymore.
And Cole’s elite status is officially gone.
