New York – In a very positive development for the New York Yankees, ace Gerrit Cole just played his final game of Spring Training and immediately caused a stir among experts by declaring he feels “very strong” during his recovery. After more than a year struggling with injury and surgery on Tommy John, Cole’s return is not only a professional signal – but could completely change the landscape of the 2026 season.

In the final game of the spring training period, Cole only made 1/3 innings but it was enough to make a strong impression. He took 26 shots, recorded 3 strikeouts, and achieved a fastball velocity of up to 98 mph – a figure that shows his right arm is almost back to its peak condition.

Most importantly, Cole himself confirmed his positive feelings after the game: he was pleased with his pace, accuracy, and pitching discipline – key elements for a pitcher returning from a serious injury.

This is a huge step forward considering Cole’s journey. Just a year ago, he was forced to undergo surgery on Tommy John and missed almost the entire 2025 season – a major blow to the Yankees as they lost their number one rotation.

Currently, Cole is still on a 14–18 month recovery path, and if there are no complications, he could return to official play around mid-May.

This is extremely significant for the Yankees. With the team entering the season facing numerous roster changes and injuries, Cole’s imminent return is nothing short of an “internal bombshell.”

Experts believe that if Cole regains his form, the Yankees’ rotation – which already boasts quality players – could become one of the most formidable shooting lines in the American League.

One MLB expert stated:

“If Cole returns to 80–90% of his form, the Yankees will immediately become a strong contender for the World Series.”

Despite the initial positive signs, Cole and the Yankees remain cautious. The 35-year-old star said he will “lightly reduce the workload” in upcoming shooting sessions to ensure he doesn’t overexert himself during this crucial recovery phase.

Cole’s next step is to continue shooting in Tampa, then potentially begin rehab in secondary leagues before officially returning to MLB.

This is a familiar strategy for pitchers after Tommy John: instead of rushing, the team prioritizes long-term stability. In the past, many stars have failed when returning too soon – and the Yankees clearly don’t want to repeat that mistake with their ace.

Gerrit Cole is no ordinary name. He won the 2023 Cy Young Award and is one of the best pitchers of his generation, with over 2,200 strikeouts in his career and a consistently elite ERA.

Therefore, Cole’s return is not just a personal story – it’s also a test of a superstar’s ability to “re-emerge” after a major injury.

In MLB history, many pitchers have made strong comebacks after Tommy John. But there are also cases where they couldn’t regain their form. Cole is currently on that line – and the initial signs are leaning towards the positive.

Not only Cole, but his performance also directly impacts the team’s strategy. In their 8-3 victory over the Cubs, the Yankees showcased their roster depth with many promising young talents like Jasson Domínguez, but everyone understands that the key to success still lies in pitching.

If Cole returns on schedule, the Yankees will have more flexibility in pitcher rotation, reducing pressure on the bullpen and increasing their competitiveness in big games.

Conversely, if the recovery process is hampered, the team may be forced to seek solutions from the trade market – a costly and risky scenario.

Currently, all eyes in MLB are on Gerrit Cole. From Yankees fans to opponents, everyone is waiting to see if this ace can return to his title as “number one pitcher.”

A noteworthy detail: Cole is expected to be present at the Yankees’ Opening Day game on April 3rd – even without playing, his presence alone will be enough to give the entire team a significant morale boost.

After months of uncertainty, the Yankees finally have reason to be optimistic. Gerrit Cole – an icon of pitching power – is closer than ever to his return.

While there’s still a long way to go, based on what he’s shown so far, Cole isn’t simply “recovering” – he’s sending a clear message:

He’s ready to return, and return to dominate.