"Though there are surely more impactful fantasy options who will start the 2025 season on the injured list, Cole -- who is not among the top 100 options in preseason average draft position (ADP) -- represents a player that fantasy managers might forget about as he works his way back to the active roster."
"Fantasy managers are not known for their patience, regardless of sport, but most know Cole's name. He was a top-10 starting pitcher in drafts as recently as two seasons ago, as he came off his first Cy Young Award. Then he was hurt. Now he is a bit of an enigma, but arguably the signature option for fantasy managers to wait on until the latter rounds of drafts."
"Don't forget about Cole on draft day. You might appreciate him this summer."
Gerrit Cole, a top fantasy baseball pitcher with 153 career wins and a 3.17 ERA, underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the latter half of 2024 and all of 2025. At age 35, he is expected to return in May or later during the 2026 season. Despite his elite career credentials and recent Cy Young Award, Cole has fallen significantly in draft rankings, now outside the top 100 in average draft position and barely in the top 300 in NFBC ADP. Fantasy managers should consider drafting Cole in later rounds as an injured list stash, capitalizing on his name recognition and potential for strong performance once he returns to active play.
Read at ESPN.com
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