New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole has suffered an elbow injury in the offseason, requiring Tommy John surgery. This procedure will sideline him for the entire 2025 season and could even extend into 2026. With starter Luis Gil also out for several weeks, the Yankees face a significant gap in their starting rotation.
Speculation has been swirling about potential additions to the pitching staff, with rumors linking the Yankees to multiple free agents and trade options. However, how will the team address this urgent need?
Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer recently made a bold prediction—that the Yankees will refrain from making any moves to replace Cole. This surprising take is gaining traction as time passes.
“With Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery) out for the year and Luis Gil (lat strain) gone for as long as three months, the Yankees need starting depth,” Rymer wrote. “Bold Prediction: The Cubs sign Lynn and the Yankees let it ride with incumbents.”
The Yankees do have an ace in Max Fried, who has maintained an ERA under 3.30 over the past five seasons. However, the rest of the rotation remains uncertain, with Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Marcus Stroman facing questions about their consistency. The likely candidate for the fifth starter role would be top pitching prospect Will Warren.
Choosing not to bring in another reliable arm would be a risky strategy for the Yankees, but Rymer’s prediction could prove accurate. If so, this season could turn into a wild ride for the team and its fans.
