NEW YORK — Gerrit Cole spent all of 2025 watching from the dugout. His elbow surgery in March removed him from a season when the Yankees pushed through injuries, leaned on youth and still fell short in October.
Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil also went down, leaving Max Fried and a group of young arms to carry a rotation missing its ace. Fried won 19 games with a 2.86 ERA. Rookie Cam Schlittler broke through with a 2.96 ERA in 73 innings and then dominated the postseason with a 1.26 ERA in 14.1 innings. The Yankees needed all of it, but they also needed Cole’s presence. No one could replace what he normally brings when the games matter most.
Cole has built a decorated career since his debut in 2013. He owns 153 wins and 2,251 strikeouts, numbers that rank among the best of his era. He has six All-Star selections and the 2023 Cy Young Award. What he still pursues is a World Series title in Yankees colors. His absence in 2025 left a gap the team could not fill.
Cole’s message is crystal clear
The Yankees ace stepped in front of a full ballroom Tuesday night and spoke the words Yankees fans waited all year to hear. Cole accepted the Lou Gehrig Sports Award at the ALS United Greater New York Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala. He stood there as a player who spent a year sidelined but not disconnected. He delivered one clear promise.
“I’m ready to do my part to bring the Yankees back to where they belong,” Cole said.
The Yankees tied for the best record in the American League but were knocked out in the ALDS by the Blue Jays. Their championship drought now stands at 16 years. Cole missed the entire season but felt every win and loss. His vow carried the weight of someone who expects more and intends to lead that change.
The honor that means everything
Cole’s connection to Lou Gehrig began long before he put on a Yankees jersey. He once wrote a fourth grade book report on the Hall of Famer. Receiving an award in Gehrig’s name meant something personal.
“To be able to raise awareness for the ALS community and to celebrate Lou Gehrig’s legacy is a tremendous honor,” Cole said. “As a Yankee, it’s even more special.”
David Cone, a five time World Series champion, spoke about what makes Cole different. “He understands what it means to be the best pitcher on the Yankees,” Cone said. “He understands what it means to be an ace. He also understands what comes around off the field with the Yankees. That’s a rare combination. He gets it. He’s one of those few that gets it.”
Kristen Cocoman, president of ALS United Greater New York, praised Cole for his impact beyond baseball.
“It is amazing getting to work with individuals like Gerrit that have this incredible passion not only for what they do, but for turning what they do into the platform that is going to raise the bar, raise awareness, and support their fellow people in the ALS community,” Cocoman said.
A year of rehab and reflection
Cole’s recovery moved slowly but steadily. He began his program in August with 20 pitches off flat ground. The work increased each month. Last week he shared a video of himself firing a strike off a mound in the Yankees bullpen. His ramp up phase ends in the coming weeks. After a few more bullpen sessions, he plans short downtime around the holidays.
“After that, we’ll kind of have a sit down and figure out what that means for next season,” Cole said.
Opening Day 2026 appears unlikely. Cole said he hopes to return in the first half. His focus is on long term health and avoiding setbacks.
Cole also leaned on family during his time away. He learned piano. He practiced cooking. These activities helped him stay balanced during a long and difficult stretch. He also stayed connected to the Yankees young pitchers. He paid close attention to Schlittler’s rise and supported him when possible. Schlittler earned the nickname Baby Cole for his similar delivery and mindset.
A rotation built for dominance
A fully healthy Yankees rotation in 2026 could become one of the most feared groups in baseball. Cole sits at the top. Fried and Carlos Rodon join him when they return. Rodon had elbow surgery and will also miss Opening Day. Fried arrived on an eight year deal worth 218 million dollars and proved his value. He logged 195.1 innings with a 52.4 percent ground ball rate and a 2.86 ERA.
Rodon finished 2025 with a 3.09 ERA across 195.1 innings. His late season struggles linked to the injury that later required surgery. When healthy, he stands among the best left handers in the sport.
Schlittler adds youth and power. His fastball climbs into triple digits. His postseason run showed what he can become. The Yankees see a frontline arm who can grow into an ace.
Will Warren returns after throwing 162.1 innings with a 4.44 ERA. Luis Gil flashed electric stuff but needs consistency. He ended the season with a 3.32 ERA in 57 innings.
The Yankees also pursue Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai. He posted a 1.92 ERA in 163.2 innings in 2025. Adding him gives the Yankees depth few teams can match.
The legacy on the line
Cole understands time is not on his side. He will turn 36 next season. His contract runs through 2028. Judge shares the same urgency. He turned 33 during the season. Both players represent the core of the Yankees and both know their championship window is shrinking.
Cole watched Judge carry the Yankees in 2025. He watched from the bench as the team pushed through injuries and still fell short. Their shared frustration fuels their drive. Their roles as leaders bind them.
“Now, as a New York Yankee myself, Lou Gehrig’s legacy means something even more and even greater than I imagined,” Cole said. “He showed us what it means to live with courage and to face adversity with dignity and grace, and that is why his name and his story continue to guide this movement.”
The promise to deliver
Cole has a long record of meeting big moments. His 2024 postseason run showed why he earns 36 million dollars a year. The Yankees need that version of him. They need his consistent dominance. They need his leadership. They need him healthy.
His return will anchor a rotation capable of overpowering opponents. Cole, Fried and Rodon give the Yankees a championship level top three. Add Schlittler, Gil, Warren and possibly Imai, and the Yankees have depth that few rivals can match.
Cole’s rehab continues. His timeline remains unclear. His commitment does not. He spent a season watching instead of pitching. He does not plan to repeat that experience.
The Yankees expect to compete for a title in 2026. Cole intends to lead that charge.
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