Gerrit Cole has shown signs of returning to form, giving the New York Yankees newfound confidence as he resumes pitching with notable velocity during spring training in 2026. After missing the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery, Cole’s early throwing sessions have offered the Yankees and their fans assurance that their ace is on track for a strong comeback.
Cole’s Early Spring Training Throws Signal a Return to Strength
During his first live batting practice since undergoing elbow surgery last March, Gerrit Cole impressed by reaching speeds of 96.9 miles per hour on his fastball. This effort came as he threw around 20 pitches facing hitters Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge, and Jasson Domínguez, displaying the velocity that once made him a dominant pitcher for the Yankees.
ESPN analysts Buster Olney and Tim Kurkjian highlighted Cole’s progress with optimism. Olney noted, “[Cole] throwing in the Yankees camp on Saturday was clocked at 96.9 miles per hour,” and added, “He’s coming back from Tommy John surgery. They have said quietly that they’re really optimistic about where he is, and he backed that up with how he looked on the mound the other day.”
What Cole’s Velocity Means for the Yankees’ Rotation Depth
Tim Kurkjian emphasized the importance of Cole’s quick recovery and pitching velocity in strengthening the Yankees’ starting lineup. He stated, “Their starting pitching has a chance to be really good, and it’s typical Cole to surprise us with how physically apt he is at everything,” and continued, “Come back this quickly and be throwing this hard. Give him a couple months, but if he shows up on June 1st, throwing 98 miles an hour, what a boost that would be for what’s already a pretty good rotation.”
Cole’s last major league appearance was in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series on October 30. He made two brief spring training appearances in 2025 before undergoing surgery five days later. As the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner, his goal remains to return between 14 and 18 months post-operation, with team officials expecting him back on the mound by June 2026. Additionally, Cole has adjusted his pitching mechanics by bringing his hands over his head during the windup, deviating from his pre-surgery chest-level motion.
Implications for the Yankees’ 2026 Campaign
Though New York managed 94 wins in 2025 without Cole, ultimately falling to the Blue Jays in the ALDS, the anticipated return of their ace has the potential to elevate the team’s performance significantly. However, Cole’s comeback arrives amid other pitching staff challenges: Carlos Rodón is still rebuilding his velocity, and Clarke Schmidt is recovering from his own Tommy John surgery, expected to miss much of the season.
To address these gaps, the Yankees acquired Ryan Weathers from Miami, a young pitcher who reached 98.5 mph during his initial spring training session this year. Weathers is slated to provide innings early in the season while Cole gradually regains full strength.
If Cole maintains the velocity he demonstrated in February, the Yankees’ lineup could be notably stronger in the latter half of 2026, transforming the outlook for the Bronx squad. His recent fastball outings have given the team critical proof that their frontline starter still possesses the tools to lead the rotation.
Gerrit Cole's fastball is alive and well, as @Kurkjian_ESPN and David Schoenfield discussed. pic.twitter.com/r8GiHLJ7CA
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 23, 2026
