Imagine a New York Yankees season without their ace, Gerrit Cole, on the mound for Opening Day. It’s a scenario that’s becoming increasingly likely, and it’s got fans buzzing with questions. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Cole himself admits he’s not expecting to be part of the starting rotation when the next season kicks off.
Yankees fans have been eagerly tracking Cole’s recovery since he underwent Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2025 season. Now, the 35-year-old right-hander is making steady progress in his rehabilitation, but his return to the field remains shrouded in uncertainty. During a recent appearance at the ALS United Greater New York’s Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala, Cole shared insights into his recovery journey, revealing that the initial phase of his ramp-up program is nearing its end. However, the timeline for his return to competitive play is still unclear.
Cole’s rehab began in August with a modest 20 pitches on flat ground, and he’s gradually built up his strength since then. A promising sign came last week when he posted a video of himself throwing a strike from the Yankees bullpen mound—a small but significant milestone in his recovery. Despite feeling well, Cole plans to continue with a few more bullpen sessions before taking a break during the holidays. And this is the part most people miss: after that, he and the team will reassess his progress to determine his role for the upcoming season.
As the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner, Cole’s absence is deeply felt, and his return is highly anticipated. However, team doctors have hinted that Opening Day might be too soon for him. ‘They mentioned that Opening Day is probably out of the picture, and that seems to make the most sense at this point,’ Cole admitted. ‘But when, afterwards, I’m not exactly sure. Hopefully as soon as possible.’
The typical recovery period for Tommy John surgery is around 14 months, which could push Cole’s return to May or June. This timeline has sparked debates among fans and analysts alike. Is the Yankees’ rotation strong enough to weather Cole’s absence at the start of the season? Or will his delayed return put undue pressure on the rest of the pitching staff? These are questions that linger as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign.
Beyond his own recovery, Cole took a moment to praise his teammate Cody Bellinger, who is currently exploring free agency options. ‘Cody’s outstanding,’ Cole said. ‘In my career, I’ve never come across another player like him. He’s in a league of his own—a player who can excel defensively at multiple positions while maintaining a career OPS of .850. He’s not just a fantastic player but also a great clubhouse presence and family man.’
At the gala, Cole was honored with the Lou Gehrig Sports Award, a recognition that celebrates athletes embodying the strength and values of the legendary ‘Iron Horse.’ ‘It’s a tremendous honor,’ Cole said. ‘To be part of an organization that does so much in the community and to represent the Yankees brand, as well as everything Lou stood for on and off the field, is truly special.’
As Cole continues his journey back to the mound, one thing is clear: his return will be a pivotal moment for the Yankees. But until then, fans are left to speculate and hope. What do you think? Can the Yankees thrive without Cole at the start of the season, or is his absence a recipe for disaster? Let us know in the comments!
