As the world awaits Gerrit Cole’s diagnosis, the New York Yankees may have already put on their thinking hats. The fact that their ace might have to miss an extended amount of time is surely a matter that requires deep thinking. After all, if Cole’s really gone who will lead their lineup? More importantly, just how will the Yankees cope with losing the Cy Young winning ace – the man responsible for limiting their losses in 2023?

That’s a million-dollar question and perhaps requires a response just as valuable. This Spring Training has already seen quite a few pitchers fall to injuries. The Yanks were lucky but this sudden “recovery” issue has thrown the good vibes out of the window. Now while we wait with baited breaths, it’s important to ask – what’s next?

Who’d be the guiding light in the absence of Gerrit Cole?

Unlike last season, the Yankees’ bullpen isn’t screaming with talent currently. In their bid to acquire Juan Soto, they gave away much of the cream of their bullpen. Still, if the past few years have shown anything it’s that Bronx Bombers have a knack for finding great pitchers from unusual places. So in the worst-case scenario, the Pinstripes do have options to cover for Cole. The Athletic has speculated to this end quite extensively.

For starters, who can be the lead pitcher? If this Spring Training has shown anything, Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes Jr. still have a long way to go. That brings us to Marcus Stroman – who in his 10.1 innings till now has only given 2 runs in 3 games. The man looks ready and there’s a high chance he becomes the anchor of the Yankees’ rotation. Now about who can join the rotation – that’s a tough question. The Yankees have traded away Michael King, Jhony Brito, and Randy Vasquez – so the options are pretty limited.

However, The Athletics’ Chris Kirschner has suggested that Luke Weaver seems to be the closest to getting that nod. With eight seasons of experience, Weaver could step up – though with a 5.14 career ERA, he could be an expensive bet. Other than him there’s Will Warren – the top prospect who can make a splash soon. Then there’s Clayton Beeter and Cody Morris – the two depth options who can start if the New York Yankees deem fit. But perhaps an external recruitment could do the trick?

Is Blake Snell in for the New York Yankees?

Brendan Kuty speculated that if the diagnosis is bad, the Yankees might start talking to Blake Snell again. Until now that link had been considered cold due to the Yankees’ taxation issues that made a short-term deal unfeasible. On the other hand, Snell’s long–term preferences were deemed too extravagant by the Pinstripes. Could desperation lead to a union for the two parties? 

Could there be a trade in place? What if the Dylan Cease connection starts to materialize now? Certainly, there are many avenues for the Bombers to explore so it’ll be interesting to see which road Brian Cashman takes. In a make-or-break season – the pressure has just gotten a notch higher.

Read more: In Yankees Injury Pit of Despair, Aaron Judge Reveals Ominous MRI Amplifying Gerrit Cole Woes