The New York Yankees may be facing one of their biggest setbacks of the season before Opening Day even arrives. Gerrit Cole, the team’s ace and reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, is dealing with an elbow issue that could require Tommy John surgery, potentially sidelining him for the majority of the 2025 MLB season.
For a Yankees team that has World Series aspirations, this is a massive blow. Cole has been the anchor of the pitching staff since signing his nine-year, $324 million contract in 2020. Losing him would force the Yankees to restructure their rotation and rely on younger arms to step up.
With Spring Training in full swing, the Yankees have already started testing potential replacements. Will Warren took the mound against the Detroit Tigers, and while he has shown promise this spring, the Yankees’ pitching plans could be in for a major shake-up if Cole is indeed ruled out.
Let’s break down the implications of Cole’s potential surgery, how the Yankees are preparing for life without their ace, and whether their rotation can survive the season without him.
What Happened to Gerrit Cole?
Cole first reported discomfort in his elbow after a recent Spring Training session. Concern grew when the Yankees announced that he would undergo further medical evaluations, including an MRI. Initial reports suggest that he could require Tommy John surgery, a procedure that typically sidelines pitchers for 12-18 months.
For the Yankees, this is a nightmare scenario. Cole is coming off a stellar 2024 season, where he:
- Won the AL Cy Young Award
- Posted a 2.63 ERA with 222 strikeouts over 200+ innings
- Was the undisputed leader of the Yankees' pitching staff
If surgery is required, Cole would likely miss the entire 2025 season and possibly part of 2026, leaving a massive void in the Yankees’ rotation.
Who Steps Up in Cole’s Absence?
The Yankees aren’t short on pitching talent, but replacing an ace like Cole isn’t easy. Without him, the Yankees will have to rely on a mix of veterans and young arms to carry the rotation.
1. Will Warren – The Young Breakout Candidate
One of the most intriguing options is Will Warren, who started against the Tigers in Cole’s place.
So far this spring, Warren has been impressive:
- 1.13 ERA over 8 innings
- 11 strikeouts and great command
- A strong slider and sinker combination that has generated swings and misses
Warren, the Yankees' No. 8 prospect, could play a bigger role than expected in 2025 if Cole is out. If he continues his strong Spring Training performances, he could earn a spot in the rotation to start the season.
2. Carlos Rodón – The New Ace?
The Yankees signed Carlos Rodón to a six-year, $162 million deal in 2023 with hopes that he could be a dominant No. 2 behind Cole. After a disappointing 2024 season, Rodón now has to step up and become the team’s new ace.
If Rodón returns to his 2022 form—where he posted a 2.88 ERA with 237 strikeouts—he could soften the blow of losing Cole. However, if he struggles, the Yankees will have a major problem at the top of their rotation.
3. Nestor Cortes – The X-Factor
When healthy, Nestor Cortes has been one of the Yankees’ most reliable starters. His ability to mix arm angles, deception, and pinpoint control makes him a unique weapon.
However, injuries limited him to just 12 starts in 2024. If he can stay on the field, he’ll be a key piece of the rotation.
4. Clarke Schmidt – The Reliable Starter
Clarke Schmidt took on an expanded role in 2024, making 32 starts and posting a 4.30 ERA. While not a front-line ace, Schmidt’s durability and ability to eat innings will be valuable with Cole out.
5. Possible External Additions?
If Cole is out for the season, the Yankees could explore the trade market or free agency for reinforcements.
Some potential options:
- Shane Bieber (Cleveland Guardians) – A former Cy Young winner who could be available via trade.
- Blake Snell (Free Agent) – The 2023 NL Cy Young winner is still unsigned.
- Corbin Burnes (Baltimore Orioles) – A long shot, but a trade deadline option if the Orioles struggle.
Yankees' Offense Needs to Step Up
With the pitching staff in flux, the Yankees’ lineup will have to carry more of the load. Against the Tigers, the Yankees rolled out a lineup featuring:
- Aaron Judge – The face of the franchise and MVP candidate.
- Cody Bellinger – The Yankees’ big offseason signing, expected to bring power and versatility.
- Andrew Velazquez – Getting reps at third base, competing with Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera for a roster spot.
If the Yankees' offense can produce consistently, it will take pressure off the weakened pitching staff. However, relying solely on hitting is a risky strategy in a division as competitive as the AL East.
Can the Yankees Contend Without Cole?
Losing Cole would be a devastating blow, but the Yankees still have the pieces to compete—if their remaining pitchers step up and the offense delivers.
Key questions remain:
- Can Carlos Rodón finally live up to expectations?
- Will young pitchers like Will Warren prove they’re ready for the big leagues?
- Can the Yankees' lineup carry the team if the rotation struggles?
If the Yankees can weather the storm, they could still be a playoff team. But if Rodón struggles, injuries pile up, or young pitchers fail to develop, the loss of Cole could derail their World Series hopes before the season even begins.
For now, all eyes are on the medical reports. If Cole’s surgery is confirmed, the Yankees will have to adjust quickly—or risk falling behind in the ultra-competitive AL East.
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