Tampa, FLA — The Yankees announced today that RHP Gerrit Cole needs season-ending Tommy John Surgery. This is a catastrophic blow to the Yankees’ pitching staff and their hopes for a championship run. Cole, the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner, is the undisputed ace of the team, and his absence will leave a massive void. The surgery, which repairs a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow, typically requires a 12-to-18-month recovery period, meaning Cole will be sidelined for the entire 2025 season and most-likely a portion of 2026.
This loss not only impacts the Yankees’ starting rotation but also their overall team morale and strategic approach. Cole’s leadership and presence on the mound are irreplaceable, and the team will now be forced to rely on less experienced pitchers to fill the enormous gap.
Now the Yankees’ lack of depth is starkly exposed. The loss of Gerrit Cole, compounded by the other spring training injuries, has ripped away the carefully constructed facade of their pitching plans. What was once a rotation boasting an elite ace and promising potential has been drastically altered. The Yankees, like many teams, plan for contingencies, but the sheer volume of setbacks has overwhelmed their initial preparations. The farm system, while touted for its talent, is now being asked to deliver at an accelerated pace, potentially before its players are fully ready. This sudden reliance on untested or less experienced arms highlights the inherent risk in relying on ‘depth’ that hasn’t been truly tested at the Major League level. The front office’s gamble on internal solutions is now under intense scrutiny.
The Yankees now face the reality that they can no longer afford to rely solely on their internal resources to address the gaps in their roster. The team needs to seek out an external option to bolster their lineup, especially as they look to strengthen their pitching staff for the upcoming seasons. The Miami Marlins’ ongoing “Fire Sale” presents a prime opportunity, with a key name standing out: Sandy Alcántara.
Alcántara, one of the more dominant pitchers in the league, could be a game-changer for the Yankees, who according to MLB Insider, Mike Rodriguez, expressed interest. With a manageable contract due to his arbitration extension, which will pay him $34 million over the next two seasons, Alcántara fits within the Yankees’ financial framework. Additionally, there is a club option for the 2027 season, which would see him paid $21 million if exercised. This flexibility gives the Yankees an opportunity to lock up a top-tier pitcher for at least two seasons, with the potential for even more control.
However, there are significant concerns to consider when pursuing Alcántara. One of the main risks is his injury history. Having recently undergone Tommy John surgery, Alcántara is still recovering and facing limitations on his innings for the Marlins in the short term. While he has been a consistent ace when healthy, his injury risk is a notable factor for any team looking to make a trade for him. Additionally, to acquire a player of Alcántara’s caliber, the Yankees would likely have to part with a substantial amount of prospect capital, which could impact the long-term sustainability of their roster.
Beyond Alcántara, there are other potential trade options for the Yankees to explore. Jordan Montgomery, now with the Arizona Diamondbacks, is another intriguing name that could bolster the Yankees’ pitching rotation. Montgomery is a known quantity to the Yankees after his time with the team, and his steady performances could offer the club some stability. Alternatively, Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres is another potential trade candidate, providing another top-of-the-rotation arm to complement the Yankees’ staff.
In addition to these trade options, the free agent market also offers some intriguing alternatives. Veterans like Lance Lynn, who brings a wealth of experience and could provide innings and depth to the rotation, could be a cost-effective option to help fill the void. While Lynn may not be a long-term solution, his ability to eat up innings and provide leadership in the clubhouse could be valuable, especially for a team in need of immediate pitching help.
Ultimately, the Yankees have a range of options available to them, but the clock is ticking. They need to act quickly to make a move that can strengthen their pitching staff for the short term while balancing the long-term vision for the team. Whether they trade for a proven ace like Alcántara or opt for a more affordable option, the Yankees cannot afford to wait much longer to find the right solution.
Pingback: Yankees Injury Report