New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole has only been back on the mound for a handful of starts following his return from Tommy John surgery, but insiders say a Hall of Fame legend has already seen enough to deliver a verdict that has the entire league buzzing.
Early Tuesday night, as Cole took the hill against the Cleveland Guardians, Boston Red Sox icon Pedro Martinez took to X (formerly Twitter) with what sources close to the situation are calling a stunningly effusive assessment. The three-time Cy Young winner didn’t hold back, writing: “Gerrit Cole: I’m very pleased with how he looks. He’s got velocity, his outings have been strong, and his command has been there. All of that tells me he’s feeling good and healthy.”
For a pitcher who had not appeared in a major league game since 2024 due to the elbow reconstruction procedure, Martinez’s public seal of approval is reportedly echoing through clubhouses across the American League. One Yankees insider told us that Cole’s camp is privately thrilled but refusing to get complacent — though the buzz around the organization is impossible to ignore.
Entering Tuesday’s start, Cole sported a crisp 2.00 ERA over three outings. According to reports, that kind of command and velocity so soon after Tommy John surgery is rare, and it’s leading some league observers to wonder if the Yankees may have a true ace back just in time for a playoff push. One unnamed scout was overheard saying, “If Cole is even 90 percent of who he was, this team becomes a nightmare in October.”
The Yankees currently sit at 39-26, holding second place in the AL East — just a hair behind the Tampa Bay Rays (38-25) based on winning percentage. On Monday, New York edged Cleveland 7-5, and Tuesday’s rematch was seen by many as a statement game. A win over the talented Guardians squad would reportedly send a clear message: the Yankees are not just contenders — they are dangerous.
With Cole looking sharp and Martinez effectively anointing his comeback, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sources claim that the Yankees front office is now privately weighing whether to accelerate trade talks for bullpen help, believing that if Cole stays healthy, this could finally be the year they snap their World Series drought dating back to 2009.
One thing is certain: Pedro Martinez doesn’t hand out praise lightly. And if he’s impressed, the rest of the league should be worried.
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