MLB players react to the death of Tommy John

His impact on the league has been profound and sparked plenty of reactions across the sport of baseball. Here’s what some players had to say.

Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2025
“I think the first thing that comes to mind is just how much of a trailblazer he was, and what great perseverance he had, venturing into the unknown with the surgery, and really…