Baseball throbs fiercely in the heart of New York. The New York Yankees, titans of the diamond, have to have a miracle. The quest for a healthy roster was already underway when another injury struck. This time, sidelining their ace, Gerrit Cole. And if he’s not there, then who? Sandy Alcantara‘s name is murmured around the Bronx. It’s undeniable that Cole’s damage was a gaping cut, and with the season hanging in the balance, desperation looms large. Is a savior something they could purchase? Or the Miami Marlins possess the cards.

Alcantara, the 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner, is a masterful pitcher. He dominated that season with a 2.28 ERA over 228.2 innings, showcasing skill and endurance. On the mound, his arsenal—a blazing fastball, a deceptive changeup, and a slider that leaves hitters perplexed—makes him a formidable force.

One could sense the urgency created by Cole’s absence from the Yankees. As it left a hole that is not easily mended— a 200-inning void. That’s where Alcantara comes into the picture. According to SNY journalist John Harper, “the Yankees are not backing down from their pursuit of Sandy Alcantara and are expected to make a significant effort to add the Dominican ace to their rotation.” He would be the perfect guy to step in and fill the gap left by Cole. He’s got the performance and stamina to handle it. Plus, his ability to consistently pitch deep into the game would provide the Yankees with the stability they need.

In 17 starts during the 2024 regular season, Yankees ace Cole recorded an 8-5 record with a 3.41 ERA and 99 strikeouts over 95 innings. He had a 2.17 ERA over five postseason starts, proving his ongoing worth to the squad’s pitching staff.

Economically, Alcantara’s contract is a masterwork of value. With the Marlins, he signed a five-year, $56 million contract that included a $1.5 million signing bonus in 2021. Fans expect him to earn a base salary of $17 million for the 2025 season. This aligns well with the Yankees’ financial situation, especially given Cole’s injuries that have created some monetary flexibility.

Will the Yankees’ gamble on Alcantara pay off? Or will the cost of acquiring him—and the risk of his injury history—add to the Bronx Bombers’ woes?

Injury woes: How the New York Yankees’ rotation has been hit by a string of setbacks

The Yankees’ pitching staff is struggling to start the 2025 season on a strong foot, primarily due to a wave of injuries. Most notably, ace Cole is out for the season, set to undergo Tommy John surgery. But he isn’t the only one. Injuries to other key players have compounded his loss, forcing the team to make significant adjustments.

The Yankees are particularly coping with significant pitching problems. Luis Gil, last year’s American League Rookie of the Year, will be out for a few months due to a strained lat. Another reliever facing issues is Scott Effross; his hamstring issue will likely keep him sidelined until early May. ​​​​​​

With Max Friend likely to take charge as primary pitcher, the Yankees are relying on veterans like Carlos Rodon and newly signed Carlos Carrasco to stablize the rotation. And then, they also have Clarke Schmidt, who intends to finish an entire season and establish himself as a starter after missing considerable time due to injuries in 2024.

These injuries, taken together, emphasize the need for the New York Yankees’ pitching staff to have depth and toughness. With 11 players on the injured list—including significant position players like Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu—the team faces a major challenge early in the season. To overcome these obstacles, the team will need to make wise roster decisions and possibly bring in reinforcements from outside the organization.

Will Alcantara’s genius be the magic pill the New York Yankees need, or will their season of injury-plagued prove to be a test of endurance no one ace can cure?