Former Cy Young in trade discussions as Yankees’ Cole Plan B

In a turn of events that has jolted the Bronx faithful, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed on Sunday morning that he is preparing for the worst regarding Gerrit Cole’s elbow troubles. The team’s cornerstone ace has been advised to undergo Tommy John surgery, as first reported by Jim Bowden of The Athletic late Sunday night. A second opinion remains pending, with Cole poised to meet Dr. Neal ElAttrache for a definitive evaluation—a visit that strongly indicates surgery is a genuine possibility.

This development spells uncertainty not only for the 2025 campaign but also for Cole’s immediate future on the mound. Tommy John surgery typically requires at least a year of rehabilitation, often pushing recovery timelines even further depending on the player’s progress. Shohei Ohtani, for example, had both of his Tommy John procedures performed by Dr. ElAttrache. Given the severity of this type of elbow injury, it would be unsurprising if Cole is forced to miss the entire 2025 season and potentially a portion of 2026 as well.

Pitching puzzle grows for Yankees

For a Yankees team built around strong pitching and timely offense, the loss of their ace could pose a significant obstacle. Cole, who has been the rotation’s linchpin ever since he signed a major free-agent deal before the 2020 season, has anchored a staff that also leans heavily on depth. Yet with Gil’s recent setback—another pitcher sidelined for the foreseeable future—manager Aaron Boone and pitching coach Matt Blake are left scrambling to fill a potential void at the top of the rotation.

Marcus Stroman, who had been relegated to sixth-starter duty, is already covering for Gil’s absence. The question, then, is how to address Cole’s potential season-long unavailability. Cashman is known for being active in trade talks when necessary, and with one of the game’s premier pitchers at risk of missing substantial time, the Yankees are exploring every avenue.

Sandy Alcantara on the radar

Amid the heightened speculation, The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty has floated a trade scenario involving Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara. Alcantara, no stranger to elbow issues himself, missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Nevertheless, he has looked impressive this spring—recently showcasing zero runs allowed, only five baserunners, and five strikeouts over 5.2 innings in early preseason outings.

Kuty highlighted Alcantara as a potential savior for a Yankees rotation in desperate need of a high-octane starter if Cole is ruled out long term.

He wrote:

“One name that may come to mind for Yankees fans if Cole must miss lots of time is righty Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins….Alcantara has appeared to regain his top-flight stuff this spring after missing all of the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. Some have speculated that the consistently cost-conscious Marlins may look to trade the fireballer at the trade deadline. But if Cole must miss significant time, the Yankees would be wise to call the Marlins and see what it may take to acquire Alcantara.”

Alcantara’s allure is clear: he is still owed three more seasons on a five-year, $56 million contract, making him a cost-friendly option for a pitcher of his caliber—especially if he can return to his pre-injury form. His history of durability (prior to the elbow injury), power pitching, and excellent strikeout numbers have placed him among the league’s most promising arms when healthy.

Hypothetical Yankees-Marlins trade package

Reports circulating within league circles suggest a potential trade package featuring Alcantara to the Yankees in exchange for two pitching prospects: Brock Selvidge and Cade Smith. Additionally, the Marlins would include financial relief to offset a portion of Alcantara’s salary. This arrangement might satisfy both parties for different reasons:

The Yankees’ perspective

• Immediate Need: With Cole facing a possible season-ending procedure, Alcantara offers a chance to stabilize the rotation.
• Prospect Preservation: The trade proposal notably omits top-tier farmhands like Will Warren or Spencer Jones, allowing the Yankees to keep their most coveted young talents.

The Marlins’ perspective

• Reducing Payroll: Miami has long operated with cost-conscious strategies. Trading Alcantara’s remaining salary eases budgetary constraints and fits with the team’s financial approach.
• Gaining Projectable Arms: Selvidge (22) boasts a 3.62 ERA across nearly 300 Minor League innings, employing a four-pitch arsenal with commendable command. Meanwhile, Smith (22) harnesses two devastating breaking pitches, having racked up close to 120 strikeouts in under 100 innings during his first professional season. Both are projected as potential big-league starters, providing Miami with a replenished farm system.

Outlook and contingencies

Should Cole indeed undergo surgery, the Yankees must confront the reality of competing in 2025 without their anchor on the mound. Even if a deal for Alcantara materializes, any trade acquisition carries its own risk—particularly for a pitcher returning from Tommy John surgery. While Alcantara’s recent form suggests a promising comeback, the psychological and physical hurdles of a post-surgery season can be significant, especially in high-pressure environments like New York.

Meanwhile, Cashman and his staff may also explore other routes—ranging from internal promotions of younger pitchers to short-term free-agent signings. The trade market, particularly as the season unfolds, often ebbs and flows in response to injuries and performances. By the mid-year trade deadline, more arms might become available, though the cost could escalate if multiple contending teams enter the bidding.

Long-term implications

A Cole-less Yankees rotation—if it comes to that—would mark a drastic shift for a ballclub that has relied on his dominating presence. Over the past few seasons, Cole has served as a workhorse, consistently logging innings and providing leadership both on and off the field. His potential absence might push players like Max Fried and Carlos Rodon into more prominent roles, while also placing heightened pressure on the bullpen to bridge any gaps.

For fans, the prospect of losing Cole for an extended period is a daunting one. Yet, the buzz surrounding a potential Sandy Alcantara deal underscores the Yankees’ determination to remain competitive. This is a franchise defined by its refusal to settle, and the front office has a track record of bold moves aimed at sustaining championship aspirations.

The road ahead

As Gerrit Cole waits on a critical medical opinion, the Yankees are bracing for life without their ace. Although the organization hopes for positive news, the stakes are significant enough to warrant exploration of alternative solutions. Sandy Alcantara stands out as a prime trade target—a high-reward proposition that could help offset the devastating blow of losing Cole. Whether this hypothetical swap comes to fruition will depend on numerous factors, including Miami’s willingness to part with Alcantara and New York’s comfort level in surrendering promising prospects.

For now, all eyes are on Dr. Neal ElAttrache’s examination room, where Cole’s future—and potentially the Yankees’ 2025 season—could be decided.

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