Imagine one of baseball's most dominant pitchers sidelined for an entire season. That's exactly what happened to Gerrit Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery with internal bracing last March, forcing him to miss the entire 2025 campaign. But here's the silver lining: Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed on Wednesday that Cole might finally take the mound in some Grapefruit League games before spring training wraps up. According to Greg Joyce of the New York Post, Cole has been throwing since August and is on track to face live batters in the coming weeks, with a potential return to game action by mid- to late-March. But here's where it gets controversial: While Cole's recovery has been remarkably smooth, the Yankees are playing it safe, not expecting him to rejoin their rotation until late May or early June. Is this cautious approach the right call, or should the team push for an earlier return? Let’s dive deeper. For fantasy baseball managers, this timeline is crucial. Cole’s return could be a game-changer, but timing is everything. And this is the part most people miss: even if he pitches in spring games, his workload will likely be limited, meaning his impact in the early season might not match his pre-injury dominance. So, how should you adjust your draft strategy? Should you take a gamble on Cole’s potential late-season surge, or focus on more reliable options? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! If you’re looking to stay ahead in your fantasy league, RotoWire’s premium tools can give you the edge. Sign up now and unlock expert insights to dominate your draft. (https://www.rotowire.com/subscribe/) For more updates on Gerrit Cole and other key players, check out our recent articles. (https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/player-articles.php?id=10510) Don’t miss our RotoWire Roundtable discussions, where our experts break down the 2026 Fantasy Baseball Top-300 rankings. (https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/article/rotowire-roundtable-rankings-2026-fantasy-baseball-top-300-103322) Stay informed, stay ahead, and let’s make this season your best yet!
