Assessing Yankees' options amid Gerrit Cole injury news
New York ace Gerrit Cole is scheduled for an MRI for right elbow discomfort, leaving his status in doubt for his Opening Day start March 28, Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Tuesday.
If Cole (15-4, 2.63 ERA in 2023) begins the season on the injured list, the Yankees could be forced back into the market for a starting pitcher.
New York made an offer to free-agent left-hander Blake Snell earlier this winter, but it was rejected by the two-time Cy Young winner. The Yankees could resume their pursuit of Snell, who went 14-9 with an MLB-leading 2.25 ERA with the Padres last season.
Jordan Montgomery, who spent six years with the Yankees, is also still available and could boost the rotation with or without Cole.
New York re-engaged with the Chicago White Sox about veteran right-hander Dylan Cease. It's unclear who the Yankees included in their offer to the White Sox, but the latest offer likely does not include star prospect Spencer Jones. The White Sox were previously reported to be interested in the 22-year-old outfielder.
The Yankees will more than likely wait for a prognosis on Cole before making any new acquisitions. New York has right-hander Clarke Schmidt as its fifth starter and sent much of their pitching depth to San Diego in the Juan Soto trade.
Depending on the severity of Cole’s injury, the Yankees could turn to their next wave of pitching prospects. Pitching coach Matt Blake has said he expects to see the team's No. 2 pitching prospect, Will Warren, in pinstripes this season. But with their ace possibly out of commission, the Yankees could also turn to prospects Luis Gil and Clayton Beeter for starts.
The Yankees plan to get multiple opinions on Cole’s prognosis and are not expecting anything definitive for a few days. Cole has been one of the most durable starting pitchers in the major leagues. Since signing his nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees in 2019, the 33-year-old has only experienced a minor hamstring injury.
Losing Cole would be devastating for the Yankees, who hope to return to the postseason after finishing 82-80 last season.
Cole was one of the few constants for the Yankees last season while New York’s star-studded rotation struggled with injuries. The Yankees signed starter Marcus Stroman and are hopeful for a healthier year from lefties Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes.
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