Gerrit Cole’s next potential Opening Day start could be as far away as 2027, as the Yankees’ ace recovers from Tommy John surgery, temporarily stepping into the role of the highest-paid assistant pitching coach in the league. In a surprising twist, it was Carlos Rodón who was tapped as the Yankees’ 2025 Opening Day starter late Friday afternoon, with Max Fried—another lefty—poised to follow in the rotation. 

It’s a big moment for Rodón, but he remains humble as he calls it “an honor,” adding, “Honestly, it’s just the first game of the season.” When in 2024 Cole got sidelined for nearly three months due to right elbow nerve inflammation and was forced to watch last year’s Opening Day from the sidelines, Nestor Cortes took the mound in his place at Houston. And a former professional baseball catcher thinks that Rodón is the next man up logically.

In a podcast episode of MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM, Chris Gimenez says, “I think in Carlos Rodón’s mind and possibly some of the guys in the clubhouse as well, he would have been the next man up if something happened to Gerrit Cole.” Nestor Cortes made the start last year because Rodón was not necessarily ready to go at that moment during the season, but it looks like he is this year.

“If you’re doing this as Aaron Boone, you need Carlos Rodón locked in, ready, healthy and ready to rock for the entirety of this season because a lot will be relied upon him. I do believe he’s gonna step up to the challenge,” Gimenez added. The Yankees play the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium on March 27 at 3:05 p.m. this year, and Cortes, who is now a Brewer, may start the Milwaukee team’s second game of the season.

The future of the Yankees does not seem to depend on the older guys but on a much younger trio who have shown bits of brilliance.

A lot of the responsibility may fall on a much younger trio 

Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe, and Jasson Domínguez. With three aging stars leading the charge, it’s clear that the future of the franchise might depend on how these emerging talents perform. The direction of the entire team could shift dramatically based on their development—no pressure, right? Wells has quietly been making a name for himself as one of the most promising catchers in baseball.  

The 25-year-old had questions raised about his defense, but now he’s showing off one of the best gloves behind the plate, particularly when it comes to pitch framing. What’s even more exciting? He could be the Yankees’ next leadoff hitter, with a solid 105 wRC+ in 2024, suggesting he has the potential to bring serious offensive value. Then there’s Volpe, who’s already proven his worth with a Gold Glove in his rookie season and a strong showing in baserunning metrics.  

Speed and defense are two things the Yankees have sorely missed in recent years, and Volpe has delivered both. But the big question remains: Can he develop into a reliable hitter at the big league level? If he can find consistency at the plate, then combining that with his defensive prowess and speed, Volpe could quickly turn into one of the most well-rounded players in the game.

And finally, there’s Domínguez, the highly-touted prospect who’s been on the Yankees‘ radar since he was just 16. His defensive work in left field and struggles with right-handed pitching are the big concerns, but the upside is enormous. If Domínguez reaches his potential, he could be a game-changer for the Yankees, and perhaps even a future star. Do you think this is possible? Let us know in the comments below.