The Yankees are bracing for another shock coming their way. Spring training has already been rough, and now, their ace, Gerrit Cole, might be the latest casualty. While nothing’s confirmed yet, insiders suggest that his lingering elbow soreness is back in a big way. If the Yankees lose Cole, they’re in for a serious uphill battle this season.

Cole signed a franchise-record nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees in 2019. Cole’s deal surpasses Stephen Strasburg’s seven-year, $245 million deal as the biggest pitcher contract ever signed. He is known for his high strikeout rate and powerful fastball; he even won the American League Cy Young Award in 2024, signifying his elite level of play. Cole offered enough reliability to the Yankees last year, amassing 99 SOs with a 3.41 ERA and ending 2024 with an 8-5 record. Too good to lose for the Yankees, considering how they are deprived of veterans on the team this year. 

The Pinstripe Territory shared that as per the former MLB GM Jim Bowden, Gerrit Cole is going to have Tommy John surgery, which aims to stabilize the elbow, reduce or eliminate pain, and restore stability and range of motion, potentially making him unavailable for the entire 2025 season!

“We will see how it plays out. I’m always wired to think the worst and hope for the best,” the Yankees GM, Brian Cashman, said during their spring training. Following Cole’s second start of spring training, Cole first experienced pain in his right elbow. For the unversed, he missed over two months of activity due to elbow pain last year. So, what’s left for the Yankees?

Will the Yankees be formidable enough this year without Cole?

The Yankees would have to find a replacement for Cole quickly, as they are currently without Luis Gil. For reference, Luis Gil, who has a lat strain that would keep him out until at least late May or early June, was originally expected to open the season without the Yankees. Will Warren, a great prospect, would then be forced into the rotation at the start of the season regardless of his readiness. The Yankees may also look to acquire Sandy Alcántara, Dylan Cease, and Erick Fedde. They might also try to get back together with Michael King or Sonny Gray. 

Marcus Stroman can be an inside option for the Yankees to act as a starting pitcher. But again, who can offer clutch moments similar to Gerrit Cole? Veterans like 37-year-old Kyle Gibson, who got a 4.24 ERA in 169 ⅔ innings for the Cardinals last season, can be a potent alternative. The same goes for 33-year-old Marco Gonzales, who had a 4.54 ERA in seven starts for the Pirates. So yes, a few options are still available in free agency. However, these last-minute changes are affecting the Yankees’ lineup. 

Facing the challenge of replacing an injured player is not a typical Yankee-like characteristic. Far away from George Steinbrenner’s era! Still, it would be interesting to watch how the Yankees do this year.

Who do you think should replace Gerrit Cole? Share your choice with us below.