New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole has expressed growing concern over a lingering right elbow injury that may have serious implications for the team’s 2025 season.
MLB insider Jim Bowden reported on Sunday night that Cole has been advised to undergo Tommy John surgery, a procedure that would sideline the 2023 AL Cy Young winner for the entirety of this season and likely extend into next year.
However, both Cole and the Yankees are seeking a second opinion before making any final decisions.
If Cole undergoes Tommy John surgery, the Yankees would face a major blow, as he would not only miss the current season but also the start of the 2026 campaign. This news compounds the Yankees’ injury woes, with several key players already sidelined.
Cole’s injury is just one of many concerns for the Yankees. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton is also dealing with elbow issues and has expressed the hope of avoiding a season-ending surgery.
Additionally, starting pitcher Luis Gil is out indefinitely due to a high-grade right lat strain, further depleting the Yankees’ pitching depth.
The injury list doesn’t stop there. Former All-Star infielder DJ LeMahieu, recovering from a calf injury, and reliever Scott Effross, who is nursing a hamstring strain, are both expected to be unavailable for the foreseeable future.
Some fans feel that Cole’s elbow has been a ticking time bomb for a while now. There is real fear that these latest developments could signal some serious trouble for Cole and the Yankees going forward.
“Our season may be over before it even starts,” a fan posted on X.
“With Big G [possibly] out for this season and possibly Cole out, I don’t see the Yankees going back to the postseason,” another added.
“We were all hopeful for this season, but it looks like that dream is over. No [Juan] Soto, no Stanton, no Cole. Guess we’ll focus on 2026,” said another.
“Cool. I’m gonna go throw up,” a disappointed fan added.
Cole, who missed over two months last year with similar right elbow soreness, had been hoping to bounce back strong. However, his recent setback has left fans feeling extremely uneasy.
Despite his injury, Cole posted a solid 3.41 ERA and 2.0 bWAR upon his return in 2024, but his absence now leaves a large void in the rotation.
In Cole’s absence, former Atlanta Braves All-Star Max Fried is now the likely candidate to start on Opening Day. The Yankees also have Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt locked into rotation spots.
As the Yankees await further updates, it remains unclear how this injury crisis will impact their chances of contending in 2025.
One thing is certain: the positive vibes that were beginning to build in Yankees’ camp have certainly taken a hit.
What are your thoughts on the Cole situation? … Like Brian Cashman, are you expecting the worst???
