Yankees’ Gerrit Cole left ‘concerned’ about future as pitcher gets recommended potentially season-ending Tommy John surgery

New York Yankees' ace pitcher Gerrit Cole has suffered an elbow issue and could miss the entire 2025 season if he undergoes TJ surgery.

Yankees’ Gerrit Cole left ‘concerned’ about future as pitcher gets recommended potentially season-ending Tommy John surgery

Gerrit Cole (Image via X)

At the moment, things are just going from bad to worse for the New York Yankees. With the team already losing AL Rookie of the Year pitcher Luis Gil for a few months, they now face the danger of losing their ace pitcher, Gerrit Cole. The 6-time MLB All-Star has been recommended to undergo the Tommy John surgery which will rule him out for the season.

This past Thursday, Cole took to the mound to appear in the Grapefruit League game. He would experience some discomfort in his elbow during this appearance. This lead to an initial round of diagnostic imaging.

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For a second-year running, Cole is suffering from an injury just before the start of the season. Last year, an elbow inflammation saw him miss the start of the season. He eventually made his 2024 season debut in June.

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As per insider Jim Bowden, Cole has been recommended to undergo the Tommy John surgery. If he does undergo this surgery, it will likely be the end of his 2025 season. The Yankees and him are currently weighing in on different options.

I’ve still got some hope. I’m still just waiting for the experts to weigh in.

Gerrit Cole said as per MLB.com

Cole’s last appearance was in Game 5 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite a strong start from him, the Yankees made some errors on the playing field, which resulted in them throwing away a 5-0 lead and losing the game 7-6.

Following the loss in the World Series, Cole opted out of his contract. He was hoping for the team to add another year to his $36 million a year deal. However, the team did not offer anything, which led to him being forced back into his existing 4-year $144 million contract.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman prepared for the ‘worst’ after Gerrit Cole’s injury update

The New York Yankees are facing a major problem with the current situation regarding Gerrit Cole. General Manager Brian Cashman has started to prepare for the ‘worst’ as there are huge chances of him missing the entire 2025 campaign.

Brian Cashman and Gerrit Cole
Brian Cashman and Gerrit Cole (Image via X/Imago)

The Yankees GM was present by the side of the team during their Spring Training game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Following their 6-5 loss on Sunday, Cashman addressed the media regarding Cole’s injury situation.

(I’m) prepared for the worst. We will see how it plays out. I’m always wired to think the worst and hope for the best. Obviously not what you want, but it’s ultimately part of our journey here in 2025.

Brian Cashman said as per New York Post

As for the pitching options for the Yankees, the team could turn to Max Fried to become their new ace for the 2025 season. They could also keep Marcus Stroman instead of trying to offload him. Non-roster invitees Carlos Carrasco and Allan Winans could also be in the mix for a starting pitcher spot, along with rookie Will Warren.

This injury concern for the Yankees also comes at a time when their hitting department suffered a massive blow. Giancarlo Stanton has severe issues in both of his elbows. If he undergoes a surgery, he will be out for the season as well.