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The New York Yankees received troubling news on Saturday morning, delivered by their own Cy Young-winning ace, Gerrit Cole. After reviewing MRI results on his sore right elbow, Cole admitted he was “concerned” about the possibility of needing surgery and was seeking a second opinion.

The 34-year-old right-hander did not disclose specific details about the MRI findings but mentioned that after his spring training start on Thursday against the Minnesota Twins, the soreness in his elbow became so intense that he couldn’t sleep, describing it as “alarming,” according to the New York Post.

Cole’s revelation comes on the heels of injuries to two other Yankees starters, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt—though Schmidt is now expected to make his 2025 debut on April 3. Additionally, top pitching prospect Chase Hampton, who had a promising chance of contributing to the major league rotation this season, saw his 2025 campaign cut short in February due to Tommy John surgery.

With Cole potentially facing a lengthy absence, the Yankees will need to reinforce their starting rotation. In response to the team’s predicament, The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty suggested on Saturday that New York should pursue a trade for Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. The 29-year-old right-hander, who won the National League Cy Young Award in 2022, could provide a much-needed boost to the Yankees’ pitching staff.

Alcantara is set to enter the fourth season of his five-year, $56 million contract with the Marlins. The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty suggested that the Yankees should explore a trade for the right-hander, who is owed $17.3 million for both the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with a $21 million club option for 2027.

“The Yankees would be wise to call the Marlins and see what it may take to acquire Alcantara,” Kuty wrote. “New York likely has the necessary talent to make a deal happen, especially if they include top prospects Jasson Domínguez and George Lombard Jr., along with additional pieces.”

Moving Domínguez—who is expected to start the season in left field despite ongoing defensive concerns—would create an opening in the outfield. According to Kuty, that spot could be filled by Alex Verdugo, last season’s regular left fielder for the Yankees. Verdugo remains a free agent following an underwhelming year in New York, and the team has yet to show interest in re-signing him.