Evaluating the Yankees’ options after Gerrit Cole’s season-ending injury reveals a challenging path ahead for the storied franchise.
Gerrit Cole will undergo Tommy John surgery on his ailing right elbow, the Yankees announced on Monday. This decision means the veteran ace will miss the entire 2025 season and a significant portion of the 2026 season, creating a substantial gap in the Yankees’ rotation just weeks before they aim to defend their American League pennant. The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles.
In an Instagram post, Cole expressed his determination: “I have a lot left to give, and I’m fully committed to the work ahead. I’ll attack my rehab every day and support the 2025 Yankees each step of the way. I love this game, I love competing, and I can’t wait to be back on the mound — stronger than ever.”
Cole’s recent performance raised alarms when he allowed six earned runs, including two home runs, in just 2.2 innings during his second spring training start. While a minor dip in velocity was noted, his poor command and complaints of significant pain indicated deeper issues.
Initial imaging suggested that surgery was necessary, and a second opinion confirmed the diagnosis. This marks the second consecutive year that Cole, now 34, will be sidelined for an extended period due to elbow problems. Last March, he dealt with elbow inflammation but managed to recover through rest and rehabilitation, returning to help the Yankees in June. However, the team cannot rely on a repeat of that fortunate outcome this time around.
This injury is a significant setback for the Yankees as they strive to end a 16-year championship drought. Cole will be nearing 36 years old by the time he completes his Tommy John rehabilitation, which typically requires 14 to 16 months. This raises questions about his effectiveness upon return. The Yankees signed Cole to a nine-year, $324 million contract in December 2019, expecting him to lead them to at least one championship. Now, doubts linger about whether the rest of the pitching staff can fill the void.
Currently, the Yankees’ rotation features Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, Marcus Stroman, and Will Warren. Fried, who recently signed the largest contract ever for a left-handed pitcher at eight years and $218 million, will step up as the Yankees’ de facto ace in Cole’s absence. However, after facing numerous injury issues, he is under immense pressure to maintain his health and performance. Alongside him, Rodon and Schmidt must also deliver exceptional results, as the Yankees can ill afford further setbacks in their pitching lineup.
Right-hander Luis Gil, the AL’s 2024 Rookie of the Year, is expected to miss at least three months due to a high-grade lat strain. Gil previously stepped in admirably during Cole’s absence last year, posting a 2.03 ERA in 14 starts. The Yankees are hopeful that Warren, who has recorded a 1.54 ERA in 11.2 innings this spring, can provide another unexpected boost. Other rotation candidates include 38-year-old Carlos Carrasco and former Braves right-hander Allan Winans.
The Yankees cannot afford to rely solely on their current roster. General Manager Brian Cashman must consider making aggressive moves in the trade market. While parting with high-ceiling prospects may be painful, the urgency to win a championship while Aaron Judge is in his prime cannot be overstated. Entering his age-33 season, Judge’s health is paramount, and the team must surround him with elite talent to maximize their chances for success.
Ultimately, replacing a stalwart like Cole is nearly impossible. The six-time All-Star and 2023 Cy Young winner ranks second in baseball with 1,954 innings pitched since his rookie season in 2013. A lifelong Yankees fan, Cole has been a cornerstone of the rotation since joining the team in 2020. As the Yankees face this challenging spring training, the reality of competing without him for the foreseeable future is a daunting prospect for the organization.
