New York’s starting rotation situation was not what Yankees fans were hoping for heading into the 2025 season. What once looked like an embarrassment of riches in the rotation has quickly turned into a test of depth, resilience, and, frankly, Brian Cashman’s ability to make something happen before Opening Day.
Let’s start with the obvious gut punch: Gerrit Cole, the reigning AL Cy Young winner and rock of the Yankees’ rotation, is out for the season. Tommy John surgery. The two words no fan wants to hear, especially not in March.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Luis Gil—last year’s AL Rookie of the Year—is also on the shelf with a lat strain until at least late May or early June. Just like that, two key pieces of what was supposed to be one of baseball’s best rotations are gone.
Who’s Left in the Yankees Rotation?
So, here’s where things stand:
- Max Fried (LHP) – The big offseason addition, an ace when healthy. But health has been a question mark for him in recent years.
- Carlos Rodón (LHP) – Still immensely talented, but coming off a brutal 2024 season that left fans wondering which version of Rodón they’ll get.
- Marcus Stroman (RHP) – Solid, but not a frontline guy. More of a dependable innings-eater than a true difference-maker.
- Clarke Schmidt (RHP) – Showed flashes last year but still an unproven commodity over a full season.
- Will Warren (RHP) – A top pitching prospect who was already in the mix but now gets thrown into the fire.
That’s okay. But in the AL East, “okay” isn’t going to cut it. And it’s not like the Yankees have a ton of great backup plans. JT Brubaker is hurt. Carlos Carrasco is 38 and on a non-roster invite. Allan Winans was a waiver claim. None of that inspires much confidence.
Free Agency? Not Much There
If the Yankees want to go the free-agent route, the options are pretty bleak. Kyle Gibson? Lance Lynn? Marco Gonzales? Spencer Turnbull? Those names might have worked a decade ago, but at this point, you’re talking about back-of-the-rotation guys at best.
So, if Cashman really wants to bolster this rotation, the trade market is where things get interesting.
Trade Targets: Go Big or Go Home?
If the Yankees are serious about making a run in 2025, they’re going to need an impact arm. Here are a few potential targets:
- Dylan Cease (RHP, Padres) – Cease is a strikeout machine, coming off a 224-K season. If the Padres are still looking to shed payroll, this could be an aggressive move for the Yankees.
- Sandy Alcantara (RHP, Marlins) – He missed all of 2024 after Tommy John. Still, if he’s fully back, this ace-level pitcher could be available as Miami continues its perpetual rebuild.
- Michael King (RHP, Padres) – Yankees fans know King well. He was fantastic for San Diego last year, finishing seventh in the NL Cy Young voting. Would the Padres flip him again? Possibly, but it won’t be cheap.
- Erick Fedde (RHP, Cardinals) – A more under-the-radar option, Fedde has quietly rebuilt his career and posted a solid 5.6 WAR season last year. He’s also only owed $7.5 million in 2025, which could appeal to Hal Steinbrenner’s apparent reluctance to spend big.
What’s Next for the Yankees?
With Cole out for the season, Cashman has a decision to make: does he ride with what he has and hope the rotation holds up? Or does he get aggressive and make a major trade to reinforce the staff?
The Yankees are built to win now. They have the offense. They have the bullpen. But without a true frontline ace, their World Series aspirations just took a serious hit.
One thing’s for sure—sitting back and hoping for the best isn’t going to cut it in the AL East. It’s time for the Yankees to make a move.
