Scott Boras Issues Stern Warning to MLB About Yankees Ace Gerrit Cole
As the Winter Meetings draw closer, questions continue to circulate about Gerrit Cole’s readiness for the 2026 season and what version of the All-Star pitcher the New York Yankees can expect. But according to super-agent Scott Boras, there is no room for doubt. In fact, Boras has sounded a warning to the rest of Major League Baseball, as reported by Brendan Kuty of
“Scott Boras said Gerrit Cole feels great and is in great shape, and even sent him video of him pitching the other day,” Kuty shared on X. “He’s excited… he has all weapons available to him.”
Early indications suggest Cole is progressing well in his recovery, a promising sign for a Yankees team that desperately missed its ace throughout 2025. His absence, the result of Tommy John surgery, was a significant setback. New York still managed to finish second in the AL East and advance to the AL Division Series, but ultimately fell to the Toronto Blue Jays, ending their championship hopes.
“I’ve poured everything I have into this organization,” Cole said. “Being a Yankee isn’t just a contract to me — it’s an honor. I’m working every single day to come back stronger because this team, this city, and these fans deserve my very best. I can’t wait to put the pinstripes on again.”
Even without Cole, the Yankees posted the fourth-best ERA in MLB, a testament to the depth of their pitching staff. Adding a fully recovered former Cy Young winner back into the rotation could elevate the club to an entirely different level. Before the injury, Cole logged an 8-5 record with a 3.41 ERA over 17 starts in 2024. In 2023, he delivered one of the best seasons of his career with a 15-4 record and a 2.63 ERA across 33 starts.
Cole has been rehabbing diligently since undergoing surgery, and while he has expressed frustration about missing the entire season, history suggests he has every reason to be optimistic. Several star pitchers have successfully returned from Tommy John surgery, including Jacob deGrom, Justin Verlander, Shohei Ohtani, John Smoltz, and Stephen Strasburg. The recovery is challenging, but the potential to come back even stronger is very real.
The next few months will be critical as Cole targets readiness for Spring Training. If his rehab continues on its current trajectory, the Yankees could soon regain the leader of their rotation — a development that would significantly strengthen their pursuit of the franchise’s 28th World Series title.
The Receipt That Changed Everything: Baker Mayfield’s Quiet Gesture Sparks National Wave of Kindness
For 24-year-old Lily Thompson, a waitress at a modest downtown Portland diner, Monday morning began like any other. She poured coffee, took orders, and greeted guests with her usual warmth—never imagining that a quiet customer in a hoodie and baseball cap would alter the course of her life forever.
That customer was none other than Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. Unassuming and polite, Mayfield finished his breakfast without fanfare, thanked Lily for her service, and walked out the door. But what he left behind on the table was no ordinary tip.
A Folded Receipt… and a New Beginning
After Mayfield left, Lily found a folded receipt tucked beneath the salt shaker. Expecting a typical gratuity, she opened it—and froze. Inside was a handwritten note and something that would reduce her to tears.
“Thank you for your kindness and hard work. People like you are the backbone of this country. Keep going—you’re stronger than you know.” – Baker Mayfield
Alongside the note: a $10,000 tip. And a personal offer to pay off her student loans in full.
Coworkers rushed to comfort Lily as the weight of the moment sank in. “I was speechless,” she told reporters. “I’ve been juggling two jobs and caring for my younger brother while chipping away at debt. That note didn’t just help financially—it made me feel seen.”
From Quiet Struggles to Bold Dreams
Lily’s story quickly captured hearts nationwide. What had begun as a simple meal turned into a viral sensation, with fans flooding social media to praise Mayfield’s compassion. The hashtag
#BeLikeBaker began trending, encouraging everyday acts of kindness in his honor.
For Lily, the gesture meant more than money—it marked the beginning of a new chapter. With her student loans erased, she’s now pursuing her dream of launching a nonprofit café that supports working students.
Mayfield Responds With Humility
When asked about the now-famous tip during a press conference, Mayfield shrugged off the attention.
“It’s not about how much you give. It’s about noticing the people who make life better—often without credit. Lily reminded me of that.”
A Ripple Felt Across the Nation
What could’ve been a private act of kindness has become a rallying cry for compassion. Fans, teammates, and strangers alike have shared their own stories, inspired by Mayfield’s gesture.
As for Lily, she keeps the handwritten note tucked inside her journal. “It’s my reminder,” she said, smiling. “That even when life feels heavy, there are still people out there rooting for you.”
In a world too often defined by headlines of division, Baker Mayfield’s quiet moment in a Portland diner reminds us that greatness isn’t just measured in yards gained—but in lives touched.
