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Yankees' Gerrit Cole Decision Will Change Everything in 2026

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 9:31 AM ET

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole will pitch in a spring training game on Wednesday. Cole is recovering from Tommy John surgery, so the fact that he is set to return on Wednesday is obviously a huge update. While the right-handed pitcher is still expected to miss Opening Day, Cole should be able to return within the first few months of the regular season.

However, why will Cole's spring training appearance change everything in 2026? Well, the Yankees happen to play in one of baseball's most competitive divisions. One could argue that every single team in the American League East could possibly compete for a division title in 2026.

The Yankees have a talented roster and will be a contender. The Toronto Blue Jays won the American League last year and they expect to compete once again. After reaching the postseason in 2025, the Boston Red Sox have upgraded their rotation and could be even better in 2026 despite losing Alex Bregman in free agency. 2025 was a disappointment for the Baltimore Orioles, but they added a number of key veterans around their young core this past offseason. The Tampa Bay Rays should never be counted out given their ability to find ways to win baseball games.

As a result, every single game will be of the utmost importance. Even the games in May and June -- after the Opening Day hype fades -- will be especially pivotal for this Yankees ball club. With Cole making a spring training start, he could return to the big league rotation even sooner than expected. The earlier he returns the better for a Yankees team with aspirations of winning the AL East.

Gerrit Cole's Return Will Feel Like a Yankees' Trade Addition

New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole during the 2024 World SeriesJayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Cole, 35, won the American League Cy Young Award in 2023 and is a six-time All-Star. He missed all of 2025 due to the aforementioned injury, however.

Some Yankees fans have complained that the 2026 squad is bringing back far too similar of a roster to 2025. While it is true the team did not make many new additions, Cole's return will feel like a trade addition of its own. He hasn't pitched in an MLB game since 2026, so the Yankees' rotation will receive a boost from the veteran right-hander.

Sure, there may be some rust for a 35-year-old who has not pitched in MLB since 2024. There is a reason Cole still isn't going to return for Opening Day despite making his spring training debut on Wednesday. New York is going to be patient and cautious in reference to the situation.

Nevertheless, as mentioned before, the earlier Gerrit Cole returns the better as New York looks to make a World Series run in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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