Gerrit Cole: The Yankees’ Critical Ace
The New York Yankees are in a precarious position as they hold their breath over the health of their ace pitcher, Gerrit Cole. The former Cy Young Award winner underwent an MRI on his pitching elbow on Friday due to discomfort he experienced after a rough spring training start on Thursday. According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi and the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, Cole allowed six earned runs in 2 2/3 innings of work against the Minnesota Twins, throwing 54 pitches and averaging 95.7 mph with his four-seam fastball. This setback comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Yankees, who are already grappling with injuries and roster changes.
A History of Elbow Issues
This is the second straight season in which Cole has experienced elbow issues during spring training. Last year, he was shut down with nerve inflammation in his elbow and didn’t make his season debut until June 19. Despite the delayed start, Cole managed to post a 3.41 ERA and played a crucial role in leading the Yankees to the World Series, where they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The recurrence of these issues is a cause for significant concern, as the Yankees cannot afford to lose Cole for a significant amount of time. His presence on the mound is not only pivotal to their hopes of contending this season but also a source of morale and leadership for the team.
An Unusual Offseason
Cole’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. He opted out of his contract, only to agree to return on a four-year, $144 million deal—the exact terms of the contract he opted out of. This unusual series of events has added an extra layer of scrutiny to his performance and health. The Yankees, who were already navigating a tumultuous offseason, are now facing an even more challenging start to the 2025 season. The loss of last year’s Rookie of the Year, Luis Gil, for at least three months due to a lat strain, and the departure of Juan Soto to the New York Mets, further complicate their situation.
The Impact of Cole’s Absence
Losing Gerrit Cole for any significant period would be catastrophic for the Yankees. They have already lost key players and are banking on a series of high-stakes moves to bolster their roster. Among these moves is the eight-year, $218 million deal for starting pitcher Max Fried, which was intended to fill the gap left by Soto. They also traded away starter Nestor Cortes in the Devin Williams deal, a move they are now re-evaluating in light of Cole’s potential absence. Without Cole or Gil, the Yankees would be forced to enter the 2025 season with a rotation that includes Fried, Clarke Schmidt, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, and possibly Will Warren or non-roster invitee Carlos Carrasco. This lineup, while competent, is far from the ideal scenario the team had envisioned for the season.
High Expectations and Uncertain Times
The Yankees began the spring with high expectations and a chip on their shoulder, determined to make their mark in the 2025 season. The loss of key players and the uncertainty surrounding Cole’s health have clouded their prospects. The team’s management and coaching staff are under immense pressure to navigate these challenges and keep the team on track. Cole’s test results cannot come back soon enough, as they will be crucial in determining the Yankees’ strategy and outlook for the upcoming season. The entire organization is now focused on ensuring that their star pitcher can return to the mound as quickly and safely as possible.
A Team on Edge
As the Yankees await the MRI results, the tension is palpable. The team’s ability to contend for a championship this season hinges on the health and performance of Gerrit Cole. His presence is not just a matter of statistics and on-field results; it’s a morale booster and a symbol of the team’s resilience. The Yankees have faced numerous setbacks, but they remain committed to their goal. The coming days will be critical, and the entire baseball world will be watching to see how the team responds to this latest challenge. For now, the Yankees can only hope for the best and prepare for whatever lies ahead.
