Boone: Gerrit Cole will 'end up in Cooperstown'

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone was effusive in his praise of Gerrit Cole after his ace had yet another incredible start.

"Even going into this year, I think he's probably been, on some level, underrated, underappreciated," Boone said following Cole's 10-strikeout performance against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. "He's great. He's a great pitcher that's, I believe, going to end up in Cooperstown one day."

Cole recorded his 23rd double-digit strikeout game Sunday, matching the Yankees' franchise record held by Ron Guidry. Cole allowed two hits and one walk in the complete-game shutout, helping improve the team's record to 10-6.

The five-time All-Star now possesses a sterling 0.95 ERA and 1.96 FIP over four starts with a perfect 4-0 record to start the 2023 campaign.

"He's so responsible and diligent and cares about his profession, his team, his teammates," Boone continued. "He's all in and takes a lot of responsibility in being that guy."

Cole is in the fourth year of a record nine-year, $324-million contract signed prior to the 2020 campaign, when the right-hander was coming off a second-place finish in AL Cy Young voting. Over 11 career years, he owns a 3.21 ERA and 3.12 FIP.