The preseason update for the New York Yankees took a grim turn when their star pitcher Gerrit Cole reported discomfort in his pitching elbow and struggled to recover after a single Spring Training outing and a simulated game. Manager Aaron Boone informed the media that Cole is flying to Los Angeles to consult with a specialist, but it’s anticipated that he’ll be sidelined for “at least” one to two months, pending the specialist’s assessment.
As the Yankees await further updates on the seriousness of Cole’s injury, ESPN’s Buster Olney speculated on the potential outcomes. He suggested that the uncertainty surrounding Cole’s recovery timeline could indicate a more severe scenario. Olney noted, “Now, his prognosis ranges from a month to possibly missing the entire season. If Cole’s injury is indeed serious, this might explain the Yankees’ recent lack of updates on their ace’s condition.”
The New York Yankees Could Be Seeking a Trade or Free Agent to Replace Gerrit Cole
Olney suggested that the Yankees might be aware of the likelihood of Cole being sidelined for an extended period but prefer to keep this information confidential as they negotiate potential trades. Bob Nightengale of USA Today disclosed that shortly after Cole’s injury came to light, the Yankees, led by general manager Brian Cashman, reopened talks with the Chicago White Sox regarding a trade for pitcher Dylan Cease. However, Cease ultimately ended up being traded to the San Diego Padres.
Olney noted, “Depending on the severity of Cole’s injury, Cashman might be feeling the heat in these crucial hours.”
Furthermore, the Yankees’ pursuit of a top-tier free agent replacement pitcher like Blake Snell has been hindered by financial constraints, given the team’s position above the highest luxury tax threshold. However, if Cole’s injury proves to be severe enough to affect his massive nine-year, $324 million contract signed in 2019, the situation might change.
“Industry sources suggest that the Yankees insured Cole’s contract, and depending on the duration of his absence, they stand to receive some financial relief, which could help mitigate costs, including luxury taxes,” Olney reported. “Yet, if Cole’s recovery is swift, the financial burden, along with potential draft pick compensation, might be deemed too burdensome for the Yankees’ liking.”
With Gerrit Cole Injured, the New York Yankees Face Serious Roster Questions
MLB insider Bob Klapsich has disclosed that there’s no evidence of a tear in Cole’s elbow, offering hope that he could return to the field following “conservative therapy” and sidestep a season-ending setback. Nevertheless, Klapsich warns that this diagnosis doesn’t shield the team from potential disaster.
Klapsich emphasized that even a minor fraying of the UCL, though not detectable on an MRI, could indicate a more severe underlying issue, with a rupture looming as a likely outcome. Acting preemptively now could limit the damage to just one season, rather than risking an extended absence later in the summer.
While subsequent evaluations might not reveal a tear, they are likely to uncover the wear and tear of Cole’s extensive career spanning 11 seasons and 1,859 innings. This could spell “catastrophic” news for the Yankees if it results in Cole missing more than just the early part of the 2024 season.
Despite the irreplaceable nature of Cole’s pitching arm, the Yankees are struggling to find a suitable substitute for Opening Day, let alone a pitcher capable of filling his spot at the top of the rotation.
If the Yankees fail to address these concerns promptly, their silence regarding Cole’s condition will speak volumes.
