With Gerrit Cole’s elbow an issue for the second straight spring, the Yankees are holding their collective breath.
On Sunday, Brian Cashman told Newsday’s David Lennon that he is “prepared for the worst” but waiting to see how things play out as Cole and the Yankees seek additional opinions. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden later reported that Tommy John surgery – the worst-case scenario – has already been recommended for Cole.
On Saturday, Cole expressed concern, but also hope, following an initial MRI. The righty felt soreness in his elbow following his exhibition start against the Twins on Thursday.
Cole, 34, battled elbow inflammation around this time last year, and he didn’t debut until June 19.
While Cole and the Yankees hadn’t announced any decisions as of Monday morning, it’s fair to wonder what the team will do if its ace must miss an extended period of time again. The team is already planning for one prolonged absence in its rotation, as Luis Gil – Cole’s replacement in 2024 – isn’t expected back until the summer after suffering a lat strain.
Gil’s injury created an opening for Marcus Stroman, who entered camp as the odd man out of the Yankees’ rotation following an offseason of trade rumors. Who could take Cole’s spot should he end up stuck on the shelf?
Internal Options
Spring stats should always be taken with a grain of salt. That said, Will Warren has positioned himself nicely for this potential opening with a dominant start to his exhibition season.
The 25-year-old, working to revive his curveball while building on a rocky debut season, recorded a 1.13 ERA, two walks and 11 strikeouts over eight innings prior to his Monday start against the Tigers. Warren’s stuff has looked crisp, and Aaron Boone said that he expects the right-hander to play “an important role” long before Cole’s elbow started barking.
Veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco, in camp as a non-roster invitee, is another option. The 15-year, 37-year-old pro has a 2.35 ERA over 7.2 innings this spring.
Allan Winans, another right-handed NRI, and Brent Headrick, a lefty on the 40-man roster, have also been starters in the minors. Winans has a 1.08 ERA over 8.1 innings this spring, and Headrick has struck out 12 batters over 7.2 frames, though he has a 4.70 ERA and might make more sense for a bullpen job.
JT Brubaker would have been another depth option, but he’s recovering from a few broken ribs.
What About A Trade?
Keep in mind that the Yankees have yet to increase their payroll despite having problems that predate any questions surrounding Cole and the rotation. With that acknowledged, there are a few notable starters who didn’t get traded over the offseason despite persistent rumors.
The Padres’ Dylan Cease and the Mariners’ Luis Castillo immediately come to mind, though they wouldn’t come cheap. The same goes for the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara, who has looked like himself this spring after Tommy John surgery robbed him of his 2024 season.
All of those pitchers are making a pretty penny, and they’d likely require the Yankees to part with notable prospects.
The latter wouldn’t apply to former Yankee Jordan Montgomery, who is looking to bounce back from a disastrous debut season with the Diamondbacks. However, he’s owed $22.5 million this year.
Are There Any Free Agents Left?
Yes, there are! But the pickings are slim.
Kyle Gibson headlines the small group of interesting names, as the 37-year-old made 30 starts for the Cardinals last season and pitched in the AL East with the Orioles the year before that. Gibson has been keeping his arm active, as MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that he recently threw 60 pitches in a simulated game.
However, Gibson made $12 million last year. A union with the Yankees would probably call for a hefty pay cut.
Other remaining free agents include Patrick Corbin and Lance Lynn, another former Yankee who has reportedly received some interest as a reliever.
