"Saying this delusional sh*t for 15 years"; "Good luck weirdo" - Fans mock Gerrit Cole over his powerful message to Yankees loyalists

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole set off a wave of debate on social media this week after delivering a confident message about the team’s future.

Speaking publicly as he continues recovering from Tommy John surgery, Cole reaffirmed his commitment to helping the Yankees return to championship form.

“I’m ready to do my part to bring the Yankees back to where they belong,” Cole said.

The comment was meant as reassurance, coming from a pitcher who has been the backbone of New York’s rotation since signing his $324 million deal.

But given that Cole missed the entire 2025 season and is still months away from facing live hitters, his statement also opened the door for a rush of cynical and frustrated reactions from fans who feel the franchise has fallen short of expectations in recent years.

Cole has remained a respected voice inside the clubhouse throughout his rehab, and the Yankees have repeatedly indicated they expect him to be a major piece of their 2026 plans.

But many fans focused on what they see as a long pattern of optimistic messages that haven’t translated to postseason success.

“50 year old getting tj. Good luck to you weirdo,” one fan wrote.

Stuart Poon

@StewiePoon

@theyanksonly 50 year old getting tj. Good luck to you weirdo

“Been saying this delusional sh*t for 15 years,” another fan said.

“You’ll be hurt before the season even starts,” a fan commented.

“Where do they belong? It is a crappy team with crappy management,” another fan wrote.

“$300 million payroll and still dog sh*t!,” one fan tweeted.

“They’re already a joke. That’s where they belong,” another fan wrote.

Cole’s strong endorsement of Cody Bellinger adds fuel to Yankees’ offseason priorities

At the same event where he delivered his message to Yankees fans, Gerrit Cole also spoke at length about Cody Bellinger, offering one of the strongest public endorsements the former MVP has received this offseason.

With Bellinger weighing his free-agency options, Cole made it clear how highly he’s regarded inside the clubhouse.

“Cody’s outstanding,” Cole said. “I’ve never come across another player like Cody. Two others come to mind Josh Harrison and Sean Rodriguez when I was in Pirates, guys who could play three major league positions at an above-average level. Cody fits that bill, and he’s got a career OPS of .850. Fantastic player, fantastic clubhouse guy, great family man.”

Cole’s support comes at a time when the Yankees have made it clear they want Bellinger back, though his free-agent market is expected to be competitive.