The New York Yankees are bracing for a devastating blow as their ace, Gerrit Cole, faces the possibility of undergoing Tommy John surgery, potentially sidelining him for the entire 2025 season and beyond.
Rotation Roulette: Filling the Voids
The Yankees’ rotation depth has taken a major hit with Cole and Luis Gil both expected to miss extended time to begin 2025. Max Fried, Clarke Schmidt, and Carlos Rodon remain atop the rotation, but the club will need to find options for the final two spots. Internal candidates like Will Warren, Carlos Carrasco, Allan Winans, and Brandon Leibrandt offer potential solutions, though their recent performances raise concerns. Warren struggled mightily in 2024 with a 10.32 ERA in 22 2/3 MLB innings and a 5.91 ERA in 23 Triple-A starts, while the 37-year-old Carrasco posted a 6.18 ERA over the past two seasons with the Mets and Guardians.
Reinforcements on the Radar?
With the rotation in flux, the Yankees could explore external options to bolster their pitching staff. Re-acquiring Jordan Montgomery from the Diamondbacks or signing free agents like Kyle Gibson or Spencer Turnbull could provide much-needed depth, though teams may prefer to hold onto trade chips until closer to the deadline. The Yankees’ front office will need to weigh their options carefully, as the right moves could make or break their season.
Weathering the Storm: Yankees’ Resilience Tested
Beyond the rotation woes, the Yankees face additional challenges with DJ LeMahieu and potentially Giancarlo Stanton missing time to begin the year. Their depth will be tested, but they still boast a formidable core led by Fried, Aaron Judge, and others as they attempt to remain contenders in the highly competitive AL East. The team’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity will be put to the ultimate test as they navigate this turbulent period.
Contenders or Pretenders? AL East Ambitions Hang in the Balance
The Yankees’ ambitions of contending in the AL East hang in the balance as they grapple with these significant setbacks. While their core remains strong, the loss of Cole and the uncertainty surrounding the rotation could prove too much to overcome. The team’s ability to weather this storm will ultimately determine whether they remain legitimate contenders or fade into the background of the highly competitive AL East race.
