The New York Yankees have received troubling news regarding Gerrit Cole’s elbow injury.
Cole underwent testing on his injured elbow, and according to MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the right-hander has been recommended for Tommy John surgery, which would end his season.
“According to source, Gerrit Cole has been recommended to have TJ surgery… but they are now waiting for a 2nd opinion to confirm the diagnosis,” Bowden posted on X.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, Cole would miss the entire 2025 season, and his availability for the start of 2026 would also be uncertain, as he might not be ready for spring training.
This offseason, Cole signed a four-year, $144 million extension with the Yankees. He was expected to lead the pitching rotation as the team’s ace. Last season, he posted an 8-5 record with a 3.41 ERA in 17 starts.
A six-time All-Star, Cole won the AL Cy Young Award in 2023.
Yankees Were Bracing for Bad News
After Cole experienced elbow discomfort and underwent testing, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman admitted they were expecting the worst.
“(I’m) prepared for the worst,” Cashman said. “We will see how it plays out. I’m always wired to think the worst and hope for the best.”
Cole battled injuries last season, and while his latest setback is frustrating, the Yankees believe they are better prepared to handle it this time around.
“I was with him in Tampa. I think last year, (it was) very emotional (for Cole) because it was a whole new experience,” Cashman explained. “This year now, not as emotional because he’s walked this line already. And so, I think he is mentally more prepared to deal with it because he’s already dealt with this once before. So, and that’s even the worst-case scenario. Just generally, we are all in a better position to handle something if we’ve had some experience handling it in the past.
“So, he’s already had a lot of conversations. A lot of engagement with the doctors and lived through this last year. So, less of an emotional shock this year, and now more about all right, what needs to be done here, what’s the best route for he and we,” Cashman added.
In the 2024 postseason, Cole delivered strong performances, going 1-0 with a 2.17 ERA in five starts.
How Will the Yankees Replace Cole?
If Cole undergoes Tommy John surgery, the Yankees’ starting rotation depth will be severely tested.
New York is already without reigning Rookie of the Year Luis Gil due to injury. The rotation currently includes Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, and Clarke Schmidt. The final spot will likely be filled by either Carlos Carrasco or Will Warren, though the Yankees might explore trade options.
“There’s no script for this. In any sport, injuries happen,” Schmidt said when asked about losing both Cole and Gil. “You have to make adjustments. There’s no set plan in stone when you show up to Spring Training. The inevitable injuries are going to pop up. Sometimes when it rains, it pours a little bit, but we know we’ll be able to weather the storm. I think that’s why we play 162 games.”
Allan Winans is also competing for a rotation spot alongside Carrasco and Warren. Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains confident in the team’s depth.
“There’s quality people that we know are capable of stepping in and getting it done,” Boone said. “And that will be the expectation.”
The Yankees kick off their 2025 season on March 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
