The New York Yankees announced that ace starting pitcher Gerrit Cole will undergo Tommy John surgery on Tuesday.
So Cole misses the entire 2025 MLB season. This is the worst scenario the team was preparing after feeling uncomfortable in their elbow after their second spring training outing.
Cole dealt with elbow illness last spring, but was able to return to the start of the regular season of 17, and more importantly, he was able to lock in his postseason rotation on his way to the World Series.
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New York Yankees pitcher Jerrit Cole (45) working out at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Image of Kim KlementNeitzel-Immagn)
However, this is a much more serious situation now, as he has long rehabilitation to return to the mound in 2026.
Cole dealt with the seasonal absence in an Instagram post on Monday night.
“Today, the most respected medical professional in the field recommends that I have Tommy John surgery. This is not the news that athletes want to hear, but it is the next step that is necessary for my career,” he wrote.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman “prepared for the worst” due to Gerrit Cole's elbow problem
“I have left a lot left and I'm totally committed to my future work. I attack rehab every day and support the Yankees in 2025 at each stage. I love this game. I love the competition. I can't wait to get back to the mound.
“see you soon.”
Yankees GM Brian Cashman told the New York Post and News Day on Sunday that he was “prepared for the worst.”
New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles on Friday, October 25th, 2024 in Game 1 of the Baseball World Series. (AP Photo/godofredo A. Vasquez)
Cole experienced discomfort in his throwing elbow, and of course, serious concerns continued. Cole admitted it over the weekend, saying he was worried as he was looking for a second opinion about his illness.
“It's obviously not what you want, but it's ultimately part of our journey in 2025,” manager Aaron Boone said of Cole.
Cashman said last year's elbow horror hit Cole emotionally, but this time he feels it's different, given his experience of being injured.
But that was before he knew he needed to close the entire season.
“I was with (Cole) in Tampa. Last year, I think it was very emotional because it was a whole new experience. This year, it's not emotional because he's already walking this line, and I think he's already ready to handle it.
New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) pauses before snatching the mound with the Minnesota twins in the first inning at George M. Stein Brenner Field. (Dave Nelson-Imagn Images)
“In general, we are all in a better position to handle something if we have experience processing it in the past.”
Cashman added that it is “difficult” to make possible moves at this point this year to combat these serious injuries.
Marcus Stroman was always expected to fill out for Gill, but now he believes Warren and Carlos “Cookie” Carrasco will become a potential replacement if Cole is unable to do anything.
Cashman can look at the trade market to see if San Diego Padres starter Dylan is stopped or pitchers like Michael King, who was part of Juan Soto's contract that landed him on pinstripes. The Miami Marlins are also a rebuilding team, and veteran Sandy Alcantara can also be made available.
New York Yankees pitcher Jerrit Cole (45) warms up during a spring training training at George M. Stein Brenner Field. (Jonathan Dyer-Imagn image)
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Cole, 34, ended his 2024 campaign, with him pitching 3.41 ERA in the 17th inning. A year after leading the league in one year, 33 innings in 2.63 ERA and 209 innings won his first CY Young Award.
However, when the MLB postseason began, Cole was important in helping the Yankees reach the World Series.
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