Gerrit Cole is on the comeback trail, and Yankees fans have every reason to be optimistic. After missing the entire 2025 season due to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, Cole is diligently working his way back at the Yankees’ spring training camp in Tampa, Florida. The ace pitcher is eyeing a return to the mound, though he’s likely to miss the early months of the 2026 season to ensure a full recovery.
Cole’s rehab is progressing smoothly, with the pitcher hitting every target in his recovery program. The 35-year-old recently clocked an impressive 97 mph during a live batting practice session against top Yankees hitters, showcasing that his fastball still packs a punch.
“It’s gone very well,” Cole shared with MLB Network. “We’ve hit every marker we’ve tried to hit.
We’re within the parameters of what we’re looking for.”
Reflecting on reaching that velocity, Cole noted, “I hadn’t gotten anywhere close to that in my bullpens. When the big dogs are in the box, the adrenaline kind of raised it a little bit.”
Cole’s journey back is underscored by his illustrious 2023 season, where he dominated the league and clinched the American League Cy Young Award unanimously. Despite missing a chunk of the following season, he played a pivotal role in propelling the Yankees to the World Series.
During his time away from the Yankees clubhouse, Cole experimented with incorporating a windup into his delivery. What started as a playful exercise turned into a valuable addition to his repertoire.
“I was goofing around one day trying to break the monotony last summer. It felt good.
I liked the rhythm. And I just kind of stuck with it,” he explained.
The Yankees are hopeful for Cole’s return by the end of May. With three years remaining on his contract, the six-time All-Star’s comeback could be a significant boost for the team as they aim for another deep postseason run.