Getty Yankees sign catcher to compete with Austin Wells. The New York Yankees starting rotation is set to get a boost as Gerrit Cole is progressing well after he underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entirety of the 2025 season. Cole threw his first bullpen on Friday, Feb. 13 as pitchers and catchers have reported for Spring Training. Yankees catcher Austin Wells caught the pen for Cole, and delivered a strong message on how the veteran right-hander looked. “He looks great, he looks sharp,