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Yankees GM Makes Concerning Announcement at Spring Training

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Deveney | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has been the chief baseball decision-maker since 1998, and enjoys a certain level of job security that affords him the ability to be bluntly honest at times. And for fans of the Bombers, this is a rough time to hear some honesty.

After all, injuries have already slammed this team, and it's only the second week of March. The Yankees are now without one of their candidates at third base, DJ LeMahieu, who is out with a calf injury. They're without No. 3 starting pitcher Luis Gil, who might not return until after the All-Star break with a lat strain.

And they're without DH Giancarlo Stantion, who might have his season--indeed, maybe his career--ended by elbow trouble.

But the big issue for Cashman and the Yankees is the status of ace pitcher Gerrit Cole, who is opening the season with elbow troubles for the second straight year. The Yankees' other issues can be handled, but Cole is in the sixth year of a nine-year, $324 million contract.

The Yankees owe him $36 million per year for the next four years, and he has a no-trade clause. They own this one.

So Cashman's honesty on Sunday was tough to swallow. The Yankees are sorting out what wil happen next with Cole, but Cashman did not sound as though he had good news on that front.

“[I’m] prepared for the worst,” he said. “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.”

The Yankees did tests on Cole on Friday, and the pitcher is seeking second opinions. According to the New York Post, the worst-case scenario--Tommy John surgery that knocks Cole out for all of this season and some of next year--is a possibility.

"Sources suggest Tommy John surgery is on the table as one of multiple possibilities," the Post reported.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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