CC Sabathia Predicts Yankees’ ALDS Game 1 Starter

CC Sabathia, the Hall of Famer, has shared his thoughts about who he believes will take the mound for the New York Yankees when they face the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series. Although he does not make the final decision, Sabathia expressed his prediction during a discussion on the Peacock studio show following the Yankees’ victory over the Boston Red Sox in their AL wild-card series.

On Wednesday, September 30, Sabathia told host Ahmed Fareed that he expects Gerrit Cole to be ready to start against the Rays on Saturday in Tampa Bay. Sabathia remarked, “Yeah, and then (Carlos) Rodon after that,” highlighting the Yankees’ strong pitching options to open the series.

During his career with the Yankees, Sabathia had a record of 8-4 and a 3.42 ERA in 18 postseason starts. He recognized the impressive performance of the Yankees’ pitching staff, which recently silenced the Red Sox. The Yankees held Boston scoreless for 26 consecutive innings, a franchise record against a single opponent in the postseason. This streak concluded with the Yankees’ 9-2 victory over Boston, ensuring their progress to Tampa Bay.

In the two wild-card games against the Red Sox, pitchers Cam Schlittler and Max Fried permitted just one run over 12.1 innings. Both pitchers will have sufficient rest to potentially start Game 3 on October 7, if manager Aaron Boone selects them for the role.

Sabathia’s prediction for Game 1 aligns with expectations that Cole will lead the Yankees’ pitching efforts. Cole returned to the mound this season after missing 2025 due to Tommy John surgery. He recorded a 10-9 record with a 3.61 ERA in 22 regular-season starts. In 2024, Cole’s postseason performances contributed to the Yankees reaching the World Series, marking their first appearance since 2009. His upcoming start will be his first postseason appearance since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.