Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole unveils new facet amid recovery from season-ending injury

Gerrit Cole, a cornerstone of the New York Yankees‘ pitching rotation, has been sorely missed since a season-ending elbow injury sidelined him before the start of the 2025 MLB regular season. While his absence has been a blow to the roster, Cole’s focus has shifted beyond just recovery. The Yankees’ star pitcher is set to reveal a new aspect of his involvement with the team as he plans to return stronger than ever.

With the Yankees managing to fill the void left by Cole through strategic moves such as the addition of Devin Williams, alongside solid performances from Clarke Schmidt in his sixth season, and the ever-reliable Max Fried, manager Aaron Boone has stabilized the rotation despite Cole’s absence. Yet, fans often find themselves pondering how Cole’s presence might have bolstered this formidable lineup.

Amid the Yankees’ successful regular season, with Aaron Judge delivering impressive stats and several players on the Injured List nearing a return, Cole’s recovery remains a priority. Nevertheless, his contributions aren’t confined to rehabbing. In an announcement on YES Network, Cole shared his new role in the commentary booth, offering fans his insights and perspectives on the game.

“I’m going to be on the air with you guys, and I’m pretty excited about that,” Cole expressed. “It was offered to me, and I think it will be a really cool experience. I’m eager to dive in and see what it’s all about,” he added, as he continues his journey to recovery.

Cole shares his thoughts while recovering from injury

After undergoing surgery, Yankees pitcher candidly discussed his setback ahead of the regular season and his ongoing recovery process. He also shared his perspective on the current roster of the New York Yankees, expressing optimism about the team’s potential this season.

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In addition to discussing his recovery, Cole conveyed his eagerness to return to the mound with the Yankees. Reflecting on his anticipated comeback, Cole remarked, “I think it might be similar to last season’s debut against Baltimore, and I’m looking forward to it.” His determination to return stronger highlights his commitment to the team’s success next year.

Gerrit Cole’s performance last season

With fans eagerly anticipating Gerrit Cole’s return, projected as late as 2026, his absence is widely felt due to his significant contributions last season. Cole was instrumental in the Yankees’ pursuit of the World Series, though an elbow injury sidelined him for a considerable portion of the campaign. This season, he’ll be supporting his teammates from the sidelines, hoping they can reach the World Series in his stead.

• Games Pitched (G): 17
• Games Started (GS): 17
• Wins-Losses (W-L): 8-5
• Earned Run Average (ERA): 3.41
• Innings Pitched (IP): 95.0
• Strikeouts (SO): 99
• Walks (BB): 29
• Walks and Hits Per Inning Pitched (WHIP): 1.13

Cole’s venture into broadcasting is set to provide a unique viewpoint, blending his expertise on the mound with live game analysis, in other words keeping him actively engaged with the team’s fan base and league followers as he plots his comeback.