Articles by Shaun McAvoy

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Yankees' Gerrit Cole Takes Step Forward In Tommy John Recovery

The New York Yankees received an exciting update on Gerrit Cole’s recovery from Tommy John surgery. Cole missed the entire 2025 season after tearing a ligament in his right elbow that required Tommy John surgery to repair. After winning the American League Cy Young Award in 2023, Cole made only 17 appearances in 2024, yet he remains one of the most dominant pitchers in all of baseball. The righty hurler went 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA, striking out 99 batters in his limited action, and excelled in the playoffs, posting a scorching 2.19 ERA for the Yankees before their World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Though the recovery from Tommy John surgery is a long road, Cole’s making headlines after posting a video of himself throwing off a mound for the first time since his injury, as shared in a post on X by The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner. Gerrit Cole is throwing off a mound, per his Instagram. pic.twitter.com/Tiv2F9Dapv— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) November 1, 2025 The Yankees’ anticipation of Cole’s return is palpable. The Bronx Bombers were arguably the best offensive team in baseball this season, scoring more runs and mashing more home runs than any other team. The pitching staff, however, was middle-of-the-pack at best and especially struggled during the postseason. NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 26: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees warms up before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on September 26, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) Cole’s impact on the Yankees’ rotation is significant. Without his presence this season, New York had to rely on pitchers like Max Fried, Clarke Schmidt and Carlos Rodón. Fried and Rodón had good seasons, but the Yankees’ rotation elevates to a whole new level with Cole in the mix. With the emergence of young hurler Cam Schlitter, the Yankees will have a strong starting rotation next season. Cole is not expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, but is estimated to make his return to the field sometime in mid-May. The 35-year-old pitcher is making great progress in his recovery, and his recovery gives Yankees fans a positive outlook for next season. More MLB: Yankees Surprisingly Not Expected To Pursue $120 Million All-Star: Report

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Yankees Surprisingly Not Expected To Pursue $120 Million All-Star: Report

The New York Yankees are known as one of the biggest spenders in the MLB during free agency, consistently pursuing the most talented players available. The Boston Red Sox are one of the teams that have experienced New York’s spending habits firsthand, losing out to the Yankees repeatedly in free agency over the years. Surprisingly, the Red Sox may not have to deal with the Yankees acquiring one of their top players this offseason. MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch believes that the Yankees are not expected to target $120 million All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency, despite third base not being one of the team’s strengths. NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 01: Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox throws to first base to make an out during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees in game two of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on October 01, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) “The Yankees are still built to win now – and they’d better be, because Judge’s title window won’t stay open forever,” Hoch wrote Thursday. “It seems a safe bet that (the Yankees will) go into the season with Ryan McMahon at third base. “McMahon’s defense was a vast improvement over what they had at the hot corner previously, and even though his bat didn’t play up to expectations (.641 OPS in 54 games), he delivered a few clutch moments. McMahon is earning $32 million through 2027, which likely precludes a serious run at a free agent like Alex Bregman.” The Yankees traded with the Colorado Rockies before the trade deadline to acquire third baseman Ryan McMahon after dealing with issues at third base all season. The 30-year-old former All-Star slashed .208/.308/.333 with four home runs and 18 RBIs in 54 games played for New York. McMahon improved in the playoffs and was one of the Yankees’ most consistent performers, securing his role for next season. Bregman is a proven winner who has won two World Series and has never missed the playoffs in his career. Though New York does not appear interested in signing the three-time All-Star, that doesn’t mean the Red Sox are in the clear. It would be music to the ears of Yankees fans if another team swoops in and poaches Bregman in free agency. More MLB: Red Sox Predicted To Retain Former First-Round Pick, Per Insider