Gerrit Cole’s Possible Return Sparks Excitement – But Let’s Not Get Ahead of Ourselves
The prospect of Gerrit Cole returning to the Yankees is undoubtedly exciting, but fans shouldn’t get too carried away. One of the biggest setbacks for the Yankees this season has been Cole’s absence due to injury. Initially expected to anchor the team’s starting rotation, his need for Tommy John surgery has sidelined him indefinitely. Now, as the team scrambles to compensate for his absence, reports of Cole’s potential early return have spread rapidly, fueling speculation and hope among fans.
Cole’s Commitment to the Yankees’ Championship Hopes
HOLY SHIT WORLD SERIES BACK ON pic.twitter.com/YiekfFTlZL
— JL (@JLas43_) April 1, 2025
Cole, ever determined, made his intentions clear regarding his future with the team. Reflecting on his season-ending injury, he stated, “From the time I first dreamed of wearing the Yankees uniform, my goal has always been to help bring a World Series championship to New York. That dream hasn’t changed – I still believe in it, and I’m more determined than ever to achieve it.”
While he remains confident in his comeback, initial reports suggested he would miss the entire 2025 season. However, recent buzz about a possible return by September has caused an uproar. But is there any truth to it?
A Viral Post Misleads Fans
MLB reporter Mark Feinsand was seemingly the source of the speculation. A post on social media suggested that Cole could make an unexpected return, with one enthusiastic fan reacting, “HOLY S— WORLD SERIES BACK ON.” However, it turned out to be nothing more than an April Fools’ prank. In reality, Cole is still expected to miss the entire season, as his recovery from Tommy John surgery will likely take 12 to 18 months.
Cole’s Injury History and Its Impact on the Yankees
Cole’s injury struggles aren’t new. He experienced issues last spring as well, missing the start of the 2024 season due to inflammation in his right elbow. After an underwhelming performance in a Grapefruit League game this year, he admitted feeling “concerned” following his initial medical scans. Unfortunately, these concerns proved valid, as he was diagnosed with an injury requiring surgery.
With Cole sidelined, the Yankees are left searching for ways to fill the massive void in their starting rotation. Ideally, fans hope to see him back in full form for the 2026 season opener.
Can Marcus Stroman Step Up?
In the wake of Cole’s absence, Marcus Stroman has found himself in a much larger role than anticipated. Originally slated as the Yankees’ sixth starter, he has now jumped to the third spot in the rotation. Interestingly, this comes after the franchise was rumored to be looking to trade him just months ago.
Stroman had an uneasy start to the season. His current 5.79 ERA and three strikeouts aren’t exactly dominant numbers, leaving many questioning whether he can truly replace Cole. Only time will tell if he can rise to the challenge.
Other Pitching Struggles – A Cause for Concern?
To further stabilize their rotation, the Yankees turned to veteran Mark Leiter Jr. as a temporary fix. However, this experiment did not go as planned. Leiter’s poor performance culminated in him giving up a game-changing grand slam in the eighth inning against the Diamondbacks, contributing to the Yankees’ sudden halt in their winning streak.
Meanwhile, Will Warren, another option for the Yankees, had an underwhelming MLB debut. Although he limited the Diamondbacks to just two runs on one hit over five innings, his overall performance didn’t inspire much confidence.
The Yankees Desperately Need Reinforcements
While the Yankees’ batting lineup has shown promise in the early weeks of the season, their pitching staff is still feeling the weight of Cole’s absence. Rumors suggest that the team is eyeing potential reinforcements, including Tony Gonsolin. However, whether they will be able to make a significant acquisition remains uncertain.
Who do you think could help fill the void in the Yankees’ rotation?