Gerrit Cole's strong end to 2023 further spotlights Yankees' failures

Nevertheless, even after having arguably his best season since 2019 (20-5, 2.50 ERA) and one of the best years in franchise history, Cole won't be pitching in the postseason. If Cole does earn Cy Young hardware, he'll be only the fourth AL winner since 2013 to miss the playoffs, joining Robbie Ray (2021), Blake Snell (2018) and Corey Kluber (2014). However, the other names mentioned played on teams that finished well above .500, falling victim to highly competitive divisions for the most part.

Meanwhile, the Yankees would struggle to finish above water if not for posting their first winning month since May, going 16-8 in September.
Cole isn't alone when it comes to Yankees players having standout years with little to show for it. 

Slugging outfielder Aaron Judge had his year slowed down significantly by injury, but since returning, he's helped carry an anemic Yankees offense. Heading into Wednesday, Judge batted .240/.401/.536 with 16 home runs, 31 RBI and 48 walks over the last 53 games. Against the Blue Jays, Judge continued to produce, finishing 2-for-3 with two home runs, four RBI, three runs scored and two walks. Yet, despite Judge's offensive outburst, the Yankees are 24th in MLB with a .702 OPS, while only the Oakland A's (.224) sport a lower batting average (.226). 

Judge has been particularly outspoken about potential changes in the Bronx after what the star called a failed season. Following the Yankees officially being eliminated from postseason contention, Judge said a lot within the organization needed "to be fixed." 

For now, it appears that manager Aaron Boone's job is safe. However, that might not be the case for those on the roster who underachieved. Regardless, a busy offseason for the Yankees is all but assured and necessary to avoid losing another year of elite play from those in their prime like Cole and Judge.