SB Nation's Yankees roster report card series turns its focus to ace Gerrit Cole following New York's 2026 postseason appearance. The evaluation comes after the Yankees faced the Boston Red Sox in the American League Wild Card Series, with Game 1 played at Yankee Stadium on September 29, 2026.
Cole, wearing number 45, started the opener of the best-of-three series against the division rival Red Sox. The report card assesses his regular-season performance and playoff contribution as part of a comprehensive review of the Yankees' roster construction.
The analysis by Kevin Winterhalt examines Cole's effectiveness, durability, and value relative to his contract as the cornerstone of New York's pitching staff. The Yankees entered the 2026 playoffs seeking their first World Series title since 2009, with Cole representing the franchise's most significant pitching investment.
