Fantasy baseball managers should consider stashing Gerrit Cole in the later rounds of drafts despite his Tommy John surgery recovery. The Yankees' ace, who won a Cy Young Award as recently as 2023, has fallen to outside the top 300 in NFBC average draft position after missing all of 2025. His potential return in May or June makes him an intriguing late-round target.

Cole's situation contrasts sharply with other injured pitchers like Zack Wheeler, who remains popular in drafts despite thoracic outlet syndrome. While Wheeler is expected back in May and ranks among the top 150 picks, Cole's longer absence has caused managers to overlook his elite track record. Cole's 153 career wins rank second among active pitchers, trailing only Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.

Several other notable players face similar injury concerns heading into the 2026 season. Corbin Carroll and Francisco Lindor both underwent hamate bone surgery, while Jackson Holliday will start on the injured list with the same injury. Closer Josh Hader is dealing with biceps inflammation, and pitchers Blake Snell and Shane Bieber have shoulder and forearm issues respectively. These players represent potential value picks if managers can exercise patience and utilize injured list spots strategically.