Yankees Ace Gerrit Cole Breaks Silence on Tommy John Recovery

The 35-year-old right-hander provided an update on his rehab progress and potential return to the mound.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner, has provided an update on his recovery from Tommy John surgery that ended his 2024 season before it began. Cole said his rehab has gone "very well" and he has "hit every marker" in his recovery, though he has not yet reached his pre-surgery velocity of 97 mph on a regular basis. The Yankees are hoping for a healthy Cole to pair with free agent acquisition Max Fried at the top of their rotation in 2025.

Why it matters

The Yankees are counting on a healthy Cole to anchor their starting rotation and help them return to the playoffs after missing the postseason in 2024. Cole's recovery from Tommy John surgery will be a key storyline to watch as the Yankees look to bounce back in 2025.

The details

Cole underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2024, ending his season before it began. He has returned to throwing and could face live hitters in at least one spring training game this year, though he is not expected to be ready for opening day. In a recent MLB Network interview, Cole said his rehab has gone "very well" and he has "hit every marker" in his recovery, though he has not yet reached his pre-surgery velocity of 97 mph on a regular basis.

  • Cole underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2024.
  • Cole could face live hitters in at least one spring training game this year.
  • Cole is not expected to be ready for opening day in 2025.

The players

Gerrit Cole

A 35-year-old right-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees who won the American League Cy Young Award in 2023.

Max Fried

A left-handed pitcher who the Yankees acquired in free agency and who topped their rotation in 2024 in Cole's absence.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I would say it's gone very well. We've hit every marker that we've tried to hit. We're in the parameters of what we're looking for.”

— Gerrit Cole (MLB Network)

“I hadn't really been anywhere close to that in my bullpens. But when the big dogs are in the box, you want to do everything you can to prevent the ball from coming back at your face.”

— Gerrit Cole (MLB Network)

What’s next

Cole will continue his rehab and could face live hitters in at least one spring training game this year, though he is not expected to be ready for opening day.

The takeaway

The Yankees are counting on a healthy Gerrit Cole to anchor their starting rotation in 2025 and help them return to the playoffs after missing the postseason in 2024. Cole's recovery from Tommy John surgery will be a key storyline to watch as the Yankees look to bounce back.