The Yankees have been dealt another significant blow with the announcement that ace pitcher Gerrit Cole will undergo Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2025 season and potentially part of the 2026 season.
This development comes after Cole experienced elbow soreness during spring training, leading to consultations with medical professionals who recommended the surgical procedure.
Cole’s Elbow Issues Emerged Following Cy Young Season
Coming off arguably his best season, Cole’s 2024 season began with adversity. He was sidelined in mid-March due to nerve irritation and swelling in his throwing elbow. Thankfully, he avoided surgery but was placed on the injured list to start the year. He made his season debut on June 19 against the Baltimore Orioles, initially limited by a pitch count. Despite the early setbacks, Cole found his rhythm, posting a 3.41 ERA over 95 innings in 17 starts. While he struggled in a couple of outings—allowing 11 runs over two starts against the Boston Red Sox and 12 runs in two games against the Mets—he remained largely effective, holding opponents to two or fewer runs in 10 starts. One of his most memorable performances came on September 20, when he threw a complete-game shutout against the Oakland Athletics. Additionally, he notched his 150th career win on August 22 against the Cleveland Guardians in a 6-0 victory.
In the postseason, Cole continued his dominant form. He posted a 2.17 ERA over five starts and 29 innings, playing a pivotal role in the Yankees’ American League Division Series win over the Kansas City Royals. In Game 4 of the series, he allowed just one run over seven innings. Although the Yankees ultimately fell in the World Series, Cole was brilliant throughout, finishing with a 0.71 ERA and 10 strikeouts in two appearances, spanning 12.2 innings.
Despite his postseason excellence, concerns about his elbow persisted. When he reported discomfort again in spring training ahead of the 2025 season, further medical evaluations revealed the need for Tommy John surgery, bringing an abrupt halt to his campaign. However, Cole remains committed to his recovery and is determined to return stronger than ever. In his statement, he reaffirmed his passion for the game and his desire to help bring a championship to New York:
“From the time I first dreamed of wearing the Yankees uniform, my goal has always been to help bring a World Series championship to New York. That dream hasn’t changed—I still believe in it, and I’m more determined than ever to achieve it.”
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Yankees’ Rotation Faces Significant Challenges
The Yankees enter the 2025 season with major questions surrounding their starting rotation. The absence of Cole is made even worse by the loss of reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, who is also out at least 3 months due to a lat strain. These setbacks leave New York’s pitching staff notably weakened, raising concerns about depth beyond the frontline starters.
However, the Yankees have proven they can adapt under pressure. In 2024, the rotation thrived even without Cole for the first half of the season, posting the second-lowest ERA in baseball. In May, the combination of Marcus Stroman, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil, and Nestor Cortes helped the team achieve a remarkable streak: 14 straight games in which a starter went at least five innings while allowing two or fewer runs, tying an MLB record that dates back to 1893, per Elias Sports Bureau.
As the Yankees look ahead, they’ll rely on newly acquired Max Fried to lead the staff. Fried, known for his consistency and big-game experience, will be joined by Rodón, Schmidt, and Stroman in the projected rotation.
Yankees Exploring Internal and External Options
In response to these challenges, the Yankees are expected to explore multiple avenues to bolster their pitching staff. One internal option is Will Warren, who has impressed during spring training with a 1.13 ERA and 11 strikeouts over eight innings, positioning himself as a strong candidate for a rotation spot. Externally, the team may consider pursuing veteran pitchers through trades or free-agent signings to add experience and stability to the rotation.
The Yankees are also carefully considering the financial implications of any additions. Just as they continue to evaluate options to bolster their lineup while Giancarlo Stanton works his way back from elbow trouble, they will have to be strategic about pitching acquisitions. Fortunately, the team had insurance on Cole’s contract, which allows them to recoup a significant portion—typically around 75%—of his salary. While his contract still counts against the competitive balance tax, the insurance payout will help offset some of the financial burden. However, the Yankees remain subject to a steep luxury tax penalty, as they are taxed dollar for dollar on any additional payroll expenditures. This means that signing a $5 million pitcher would effectively cost them $10 million. With these financial constraints in mind, the front office will have to balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability as they navigate the challenging road ahead.
