Trade or trust Yankees’ farm? Who steps in for Gerrit Cole?

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The New York Yankees’ pitching staff is facing an unexpected crisis this spring training, and with the season just weeks away, the team is scrambling to find solutions. The latest injury news has sent shockwaves through the organization, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering how the Yankees will adjust without two key pitchers.

Gerrit Cole, the ace of the staff, is reportedly undergoing diagnostic tests on his right elbow, a situation that echoes last spring’s concerns, which nearly derailed his season. To make matters worse, the Yankees lost another key piece of their rotation with Luis Gil, the reigning American League Rookie of the Year, suffering a high-grade lat strain that will sideline him for the next three-plus months. As the Yankees hold their breath and wait for updates on Cole’s condition, the question looms: who will step up in the Yankees’ rotation if Cole’s injury is more severe than anticipated?

Gerrit Cole’s elbow: A major concern arises

Cole’s elbow injury is particularly concerning, as the 34-year-old right-hander had already dealt with elbow discomfort last spring, which kept him out of action until June. While he managed to rehab through that injury and perform at an elite level during the 2024 season, Cole himself admitted that this new issue has him worried about the possibility of needing surgery, which would effectively end his season. He shared with reporters on Saturday morning that he’s concerned about the severity of the issue, which could require him to miss significant time — or worse, the entire season.

The Yankees are anxiously awaiting further tests and second opinions on Cole’s elbow, but with the clock ticking toward Opening Day, they need to start considering how they’ll proceed without their ace. The timing of this injury couldn’t be worse, with the Yankees already facing uncertainty in their rotation following the loss of Gil. Cole’s absence could be catastrophic for a team looking to make another deep playoff run.

Yankees’ next man up: Will Warren

With Cole’s injury still uncertain, the Yankees will likely turn to some of their younger arms to fill the void. The most obvious candidate is rookie right-hander Will Warren. At 25, Warren has been one of the Yankees’ most improved pitchers this spring, posting an impressive 1.13 ERA over three appearances, including two starts. In eight innings, he has allowed just one earned run on two hits, striking out 11 and walking only two batters. His performance in camp has made him the early favorite to step into Cole’s spot if the injury proves to be long-term.

However, Warren’s path to the Yankees’ rotation has been anything but straightforward. Last spring, he was on the verge of making the team before Luis Gil emerged as a force. Warren was eventually called up in 2024 but struggled mightily, finishing with a 10.32 ERA in six outings. Opposing hitters teed off against him, posting a .340 batting average and a staggering 1.012 OPS. Despite those struggles, Warren seems to have found his groove this spring, but the real test will be whether he can continue this success in the high-pressure environment of the regular season.

Carlos Carrasco: A veteran option

If Warren is not ready to handle the workload or if the Yankees are seeking more experience, veteran Carlos Carrasco could also be a candidate. Carrasco, 37, is a non-roster invitee to Yankees spring training and has been solid in his appearances so far. He’s allowed just one earned run over 4.2 innings, showcasing a competitive edge despite being years removed from his peak years in Cleveland. While Carrasco doesn’t offer the same upside as Cole or even Warren, his experience could be a stabilizing factor for the Yankees’ rotation.

However, the concern with Carrasco is whether he can stay healthy and effective enough to contribute at a high level. At 37, it’s uncertain how much more Carrasco has left in the tank, and it remains to be seen if he can step into a larger role if Cole’s injury keeps him sidelined. Carrasco has the potential to offer depth, but he’s more likely to be a safety net rather than a long-term solution.

Other options and depth concerns

Beyond Warren and Carrasco, the Yankees do have a few other arms they could consider. Allan Winans, another candidate vying for a rotation spot, delivered a solid outing with 3.1 scoreless innings against the Astros. While he’s not yet a household name, Winans has been solid in his chances this spring and could find himself in the mix, especially if the Yankees need to add depth in a hurry.

However, the Yankees are already facing rotation depth issues, with the injury to Gil and the uncertainty surrounding Cole. J.T. Brubaker, who would have been a candidate to step in, is out for the foreseeable future after breaking three ribs earlier this spring while trying to avoid a comebacker. The Yankees are left with limited options to bolster the rotation from within, making it increasingly likely they’ll need to seek external help.

Will the Yankees make a trade?

With the loss of both Cole and Gil, the Yankees might be forced to make a trade to bolster their rotation. However, the timing is challenging. The spring trade market is thin, and top-level pitchers are in high demand. If the Yankees want to make a move, they’ll likely have to target pitchers with good control and a track record of success.

Names like Michael King from the Padres or Dylan Cease from the White Sox have been floated as possible trade targets, but acquiring them won’t come cheap. Teams are aware that the Yankees are now in a vulnerable position, and that will likely drive up the asking price. Additionally, with the expanded playoffs, fewer teams are looking to sell off assets, which could limit the availability of quality pitchers in the market.

Salary and financial factors

The Yankees are already operating with a payroll that exceeds $300 million, putting them over the luxury tax threshold. Given the financial constraints, it’s uncertain whether owner Hal Steinbrenner will approve a significant trade or free-agent signing. If the Yankees do make a move, it could be a low-cost acquisition or a trade for a player with an expiring contract.

The road ahead

The Yankees’ starting rotation has been dealt a tough hand this spring, with significant injuries to two key pitchers. If Cole’s elbow injury is as serious as it could be, the Yankees will have to rely on their depth and possibly make a trade to stay competitive in the AL East. Will Warren seems like the best internal option to fill Cole’s shoes, but it’s a gamble. If the Yankees want to make sure their rotation remains solid for a World Series run, they may need to act quickly and decisively in the coming weeks. With the season drawing nearer, the Yankees’ pitching staff will be one of the most closely watched storylines in baseball.

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