This isn’t the news Yankees fans wanted to hear. Gerrit Cole, the undisputed ace of the Bronx Bombers, is undergoing diagnostic tests on his throwing elbow according to MLB.com. While we don’t have all the answers yet, the mere mention of a second opinion has everyone holding their breath.
Cole himself admitted he’s concerned, but he hasn’t given up hope just yet. Still, this situation has an eerily familiar ring to it. Just a year ago, he was dealing with elbow inflammation that delayed his season debut until mid-June.
While he ultimately rebounded to put together a strong second half and an impressive postseason, any sign of trouble for the Yankees’ $324 million man is a major red flag.
What We Know So Far
The alarm bells started ringing after Cole’s second Spring Training outing, where the Twins tagged him for six runs in just 2 2/3 innings.
Spring struggles wouldn’t normally be a big deal—veteran pitchers often spend this time tinkering with mechanics rather than focusing on results—but something was off. His fastball velocity has been sitting at 95.5 mph, a slight dip from his dominant years when he hovered around 97.
Cole is seeking a second opinion on his elbow. That phrase alone is enough to send any Yankees fan into a panic. It doesn’t always mean the worst, but let’s be real—when a pitcher starts consulting multiple doctors, the outcome is rarely good.
The Yankees’ Rotation Suddenly Looks Thin
If Cole misses significant time, the Yankees’ rotation depth is about to get tested in a big way. The team already lost Luis Gil for at least three months due to a lat strain, and JT Brubaker fractured three ribs early in camp.
Suddenly, that deep pitching staff isn’t looking so deep anymore. The likely Opening Day starter? That would be newly signed Max Fried, who arrived in the Bronx on a massive eight-year, $218 million deal.
Behind him, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt are locked into the rotation, while Marcus Stroman—initially slotted as a depth piece—now projects as the No. 4 starter.
If Cole starts the season on the injured list, that fifth spot becomes a question mark. The Yankees could turn to young arms like Will Warren or Yoendrys Gómez or look outside the organization.
Kyle Gibson, Spencer Turnbull, and even former Yankee Lance Lynn are still free agents. None of those names replace Gerrit Cole, but they might help bridge the gap if the Yankees need reinforcements.
The Bigger Picture in New York
Let’s not sugarcoat this—if Cole is out for an extended period, the Yankees’ World Series hopes take a major hit.
When healthy, he’s the kind of pitcher who can carry a team through October, as he proved last year with a dominant postseason run. But if his elbow doesn’t cooperate, the Yankees could scramble for answers before the season begins.
For now, all eyes are on those test results. The Yankees need good news. Because if Cole’s elbow turns out to be a serious issue, this entire season could take a drastic turn before the first pitch is even thrown.
