The New York Yankees changing their nearly 50-year-old facial hair policy beginning this season to allow "well-groomed" beards, according to owner Hal Steinbrenner, caught many in the baseball world off guard.

Gerrit Cole says he always intended to remain with the New York Yankees. The 34-year-old right-hander exercised his right to opt out of his contract on the third day after the World Series, giving up $144 million over four years and starting a two-day window for the team to void the opt by adding a $36 million salary for 2029.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole told reporters at spring training Wednesday that ex-teammate Juan Soto's 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Yankees is "good for the game." “It’s large.

Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole squared off on the Yankees' backfields and the pitcher spoke to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch after. “I enjoy it,” Cole told Hoch. “I’ve done this for a long time; I’ve seen my fair share of line drives and gotten my fair share of line drives.

Current owner Hal Steinbrenner announced the change Friday before the team’s spring training opener. New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole takes part in pickoff drills during a spring training baseball workout Thursday,

Gerrit Cole says he always intended to remain with the New York Yankees. The 34-year-old former Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander exercised his right to opt out of his contract on the third day after the World Series,

Juan Soto shocked the baseball world when he left the New York Yankees this offseason and signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets.  Soto's departure undoubtedly stung the Yankees,

There's a new No. 2 in the New York Yankees' rotation behind Gerrit Cole. A familiar face is getting a fresh start leading the Cincinnati Reds. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani & Co. are preparing a title defense.

This is a 2025 photo of Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees baseball team Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. This image reflects the Yankees active roster as