The New York Yankees may have to prepare for the possibility of losing right-hander Gerrit Cole for the entire season. According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, Cole has been advised to undergo Tommy John surgery.
“According to a source, Gerrit Cole has been recommended to have TJ surgery… but they are now waiting for a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis #Yankees,” Bowden reported.
If Cole undergoes the procedure, he would likely miss the entire 2025 season, leaving a significant void at the top of the Yankees’ rotation. Finding a replacement would be a challenge, as few viable options exist unless New York is willing to part with some of its top prospects in a trade.
Who Could the Yankees Trade For?
If the New York Yankees are searching for a replacement for Gerrit Cole, Sandy Alcantara would be a prime target. Now fully healthy, the right-hander has already proven he can be one of the best pitchers in the game, winning the Cy Young Award in 2022.
That season, Alcantara posted a dominant 2.28 ERA and 0.98 WHIP, overwhelming hitters at the highest level. But the big question for the Yankees is whether they have the assets to acquire him.
Zach Pressnell of FanSided proposed a potential trade package, suggesting the Yankees send Spencer Jones, Will Warren, and Roderick Arias to Miami in exchange for Alcantara.
“A deal for Alcántara would be huge. The righty was the best pitcher on the planet in 2022 en route to a Cy Young award. He took a step back in 2023 and was injured for the entire 2024 season, but his 2025 spring training performances have looked more like his 2022 season than anything.
Jones has all the tools to be a major leaguer right now. While he may not get that opportunity with the Yankees this season unless an injury occurs, he could see immediate playing time in Miami. Meanwhile, Warren would fit right into the Marlins’ rotation, showcasing dominant stuff this spring, highlighted by a devastating sweeper. Arias, though not yet MLB-ready at just 20 years old, possesses impressive raw tools and is the type of prospect Miami is looking to add,” Pressnell explained.
