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The New York Yankees still have many unanswered questions, and we could say they might encounter yet another problem that could jeopardize the success they're seeking in 2026. It involves their ace, Gerrit Cole, who could cause a serious issue for Aaron Boone and the organization.
It's no secret that the Yankees are eager to have Cole back-the pitcher who underwent Tommy John surgery last season and hasn't started a game since the painful 2024 World Series.
Last month, manager Aaron Boone revealed that he expects Gerrit Cole to return to the starting rotation by late May or early June. However, Michael Kay, speaking on The New York Post's The Show podcast, suggested the ace might return sooner than expected.
"Gerrit Cole is probably not going to get back until June 1, and I was a little surprised by that because he had the brace surgery and that was in March. I thought he'd get back closer to the front of the year," he said. "But, you know, he's an older pitcher and they want to make sure he's right. There's a lot of starts to fill."
What should the Yankees do?
Tommy John surgery recovery typically requires a long rehabilitation process, but missing more than a year would be considered excessive compared to normal timelines. Not having Cole available until June would be a major blow to the Yankees' starting rotation, especially given the lack of pitching depth.
In addition to Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt also underwent Tommy John surgery, although much later in the season. If he follows a similar recovery path, his return may not come until September, and it's not even guaranteed he'll be able to pitch again in 2026.
Meanwhile, Carlos Rodón underwent surgery to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur in his left elbow, a procedure that could allow him to return as early as late April.
Under this scenario, the New York Yankees are essentially forced to pursue starting pitching this offseason, as failing to do so could seriously compromise their chances of success in the 2026 MLB season.