Gerrit Cole is inching closer to his long-awaited return, and Yankees fans have reason to be excited - and maybe a little intrigued.
After missing the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, the Yankees’ ace is targeting a comeback in late May or early June. But what’s turning heads even before spring training officially kicks off is Cole’s revamped windup. Yes, the 35-year-old right-hander - a 12-year MLB veteran known for his consistency and power - appears to be making a significant change to his delivery.
During a recent bullpen session, Cole was spotted lifting his mitt and ball well above his head during his windup - a noticeable departure from his traditional motion, where he typically kept everything tight to his chest. For a pitcher who's built a career on precision and power, any mechanical adjustment this late in the game raises eyebrows - and questions. But when that pitcher is Gerrit Cole, it also sparks curiosity about what kind of edge he’s trying to unlock.
This isn’t just a veteran tinkering for the sake of change. Coming off Tommy John, a pitcher’s mechanics are often under the microscope - by coaches, trainers, and the player himself.
Sometimes, subtle tweaks are made to reduce stress on the elbow. Other times, pitchers use the recovery process as an opportunity to retool and extend their careers.
Whatever the case, Cole’s new motion will be something to watch closely as he ramps up toward game action.
The Yankees certainly missed their ace last year. Even though they managed to reach the postseason, their run was cut short in the ALDS by the Toronto Blue Jays - a tough pill to swallow for a franchise with championship aspirations. Cole’s absence loomed large, especially in October, where a dominant starter can tilt a series.
And when healthy, few starters tilt the field like Gerrit Cole. His career numbers speak for themselves: a 3.18 ERA, a 1.089 WHIP, and 2,251 strikeouts.
He’s won nearly two-thirds of his decisions and has been the definition of a frontline starter for over a decade. That’s the kind of presence the Yankees are counting on in 2026 - not just to eat innings, but to lead a rotation and anchor a playoff push.
Of course, the elephant in the room is his age. At 35, and coming off major elbow surgery, there’s always going to be concern.
Not every pitcher finds their old form after Tommy John, and even fewer do it while experimenting with a new delivery. But Cole has never shied away from the work, and his early return to throwing - and doing it alongside teammates before spring training - is a strong sign that he’s ahead of schedule and motivated.
Gerrit Cole back on the mound pic.twitter.com/nJBYxal4JB
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) February 13, 2026
If Cole’s new windup helps him stay healthy and maintain his elite form, the Yankees could be getting a version of their ace that’s not just back - but better. And if that’s the case, the rest of the American League should be on alert.