The New York Yankees received devastating news on Tuesday as the team confirmed that ace Gerrit Cole will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the entire 2025 season.
Cole, who had been battling elbow issues since last season, recently signed a four-year, $144 million contract with the Yankees after opting out of his previous deal.
Needless to say, the timing couldn’t be worse. The whole situation is truly a worst-case scenario for the Bombers.
As if that weren’t enough, the Yankees are also bracing to be without 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil for at least three months. Gil is sidelined with a lat injury, further thinning an already-shaken rotation.
With two key arms out, the Yankees’ starting five now includes:
LHP Max Fried
LHP Carlos Rodón
RHP Marcus Stroman
RHP Clarke Schmidt
RHP Will Warren
Given the circumstances, speculation is already swirling around potential reinforcements.
CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry listed several possible trade targets for the Yankees, including a familiar name: Michael King.
King, who spent five years in the Yankees’ bullpen before being dealt to the Padres in the Juan Soto trade, found new life in San Diego as a starter.
He broke out in 2024, finishing seventh in NL Cy Young voting. With two years remaining on his contract, he’d be under team control for the entire duration of Cole’s expected recovery timeline.
Acquiring King, however, would come at a cost.
While top prospect Jasson Dominguez is likely off-limits, someone like outfielder Spencer Jones could be a realistic piece to offer. The Padres, who lost Jurickson Profar to free agency, are reportedly seeking outfield help that’s close to MLB-ready.
Perry also floated three other pitchers as viable trade candidates:
-Dylan Cease: The 29-year-old right-hander, now with San Diego, is entering his walk year with a $13.25 million salary. Cease struck out 224 batters in 189 ⅓ innings last season, finishing fourth in NL Cy Young voting. He’s topped 200 strikeouts in four straight years and compiled a 16.0 WAR over that span.
-Sandy Alcantara: The Marlins appear ready to part ways with their ace as they continue a full-scale rebuild. Alcantara missed all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery but has looked strong this spring. He won the NL Cy Young unanimously in 2022, posting an 8.0 WAR over 228 ⅔ innings. The 29-year-old is under team control through 2026.
-Erick Fedde: A more cost-conscious option, Fedde reestablished his MLB career after a stint in Korea and posted solid numbers with both the White Sox and Cardinals in 2024. He finished with a 126 ERA+, 3.86 FIP, and a 5.6 WAR across 177 ⅓ innings. His $7.5 million salary would be appealing to Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner, who has shown reluctance to stretch the team’s payroll despite its massive financial resources.
With Opening Day fast approaching and two key starters sidelined, the Yankees face a tough road ahead – and they may not have the luxury of waiting much longer to make a move.
What do you think the Yankees should do???
