Yankees' Gerrit Cole nearing return, could pitch in spring games

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (elbow) is nearing his return, with manager Aaron Boone stating he could pitch in Grapefruit League games by mid- to late-March. Cole, 35, missed the entire 2025 season after Tommy John surgery last March 11 but has been throwing since August and has completed "a number" of bullpen sessions. He is expected to progress to live batting practice in the coming weeks. Despite positive rehab, the Yankees anticipate him rejoining their rotation in late May or early June, with ZiPS projecting a 3.91 ERA over 115 innings.