Yankees make major Gerrit Cole announcement
The New York Yankees have finally delivered the news fans have been waiting more than a year to hear. Manager Aaron Boone informed reporters that Gerrit Cole will make his return to the mound on Friday. This will mark Cole’s first MLB start since 2024 after missing all of 2025 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
And the timing, honestly, could not be better MORE: Red Sox latest trade blunder already paying dividends for Brewers New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images The Yankees Need Cole Right Now Cole’s return comes at a critical point in the season for New York.
The Yankees have hit a rough stretch lately, and things became even more concerning when ace Max Fried was recently placed on the injured list. For much of the season, Fried had been the stabilizing force in New York’s rotation. Losing him suddenly created questions about who would step up and carry the staff.
Now the Yankees are getting back someone who has spent years doing exactly that. The road to this point has not been short. Tommy John surgery forced Cole to miss the entire 2025 season and the beginning of the 2026 campaign.
For a pitcher entering his mid-30s, there were naturally questions surrounding how he would look upon returning. Can he still dominate? Can he handle a full workload?