Cole's strikeout rate has declined for three straight seasons, dropping from 33.5% in 2021 to 25.4% in 2024, the lowest since his 2017 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His fastball velocity has also dipped, falling from an average of 97.1 mph in 2021 to 94.8 mph in 2024, with the most significant drop—1.4 mph—occurring between 2023 and 2024.

Cole showed off his health and his newest weapon in 3 ¹/₃ innings of a 6-3 win over the Blue Jays at Steinbrenner Field in which he allowed a run and three hits, hit one batter and struck out five. The righty was sharp, returned for a batter in the fourth inning because he was so efficient and finished with 46 pitches (including 33 strikes).

Facing an opposing club for the first time since last year’s World Series, Gerrit Cole said it was “a surprise” to make a fourth trip to the mound in his spring debut on Friday -- but a welcome one, because it meant he’d been efficient.

The New York Yankees have started their spring training campaign with a 1-3 record in the Grapefruit League. That seems bad, but no one will celebrate boasting the best record in spring training. It’s all about getting ready for the games that count,

While the New York Yankees softened their longstanding facial hair policy on Friday, ace Gerrit Cole said general manager Brian Cashman told players not to go overboard with their beards.

Gerrit Cole was strong in his spring training debut and the Yankees used three home runs from their split-squad to get past the Blue Jays, 6-3, on Friday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Starting pitching is supposed to be the New York Yankees' strength for the 2025 season. That is, of course, if their rotation stays healthy. The Yankees have a proven ace in former Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole,