TAMPA — What are the Yankees going to do in the wake of a worst-case scenario in which their ace’s elbow has been opened up for an operation that will knock him out for at least a year?
Nothing major immediately, in all likelihood.
With Gerrit Cole undergoing Tommy John surgery on Tuesday, Brian Cashman signaled that because of the time of the season and because of the club’s payroll situation, significant transactions are not on the horizon and would be more likely around the trade deadline.
The general manager left himself wiggle room, said the Yankees would “evaluate what’s available” and smaller transactions are possible, but trades for big-time starting pitchers rarely happen until a team is willing to begin selling — which often does not happen until July.
“In this time of year, very little is available,” Cashman said. “Normally, the more significant opportunities don’t exist until the trade deadline.
“… You hope that you can withstand injuries and avoid injuries early, from spring training up through the [mid-July] draft, because going outside the organization is that much more difficult to do. So we’ll rely on what we have, and we’ll explore what’s limited available in the marketplace.”
In the limited marketplace that is free agency in March, the starting pitchers remaining include veterans Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, Patrick Corbin and Spencer Turnbull.
Yankees general manager Brian CashmanCharles Wenzelberg / New York Post
With just over two weeks until Opening Day, none would be ready to begin the season.
And with the Yankees above the Steve Cohen tax threshold that is $301 million this season — last month Hal Steinbrenner said the team’s payroll, for luxury tax purposes, was projected to be between $307 million and $308 million — any added dollar would come with a 110 percent tax.
Trading for a big-name, high-salaried pitcher such as the Diamondbacks’ Jordan Montgomery would be pricey.
With such a financial hindrance, it might make an eventual trade for a pitcher who costs prospects, rather than cash, more likely.
“The costs financially are so strong,” Cashman said from Steinbrenner Field. “It’s double the money, and obviously that makes it less likely to be a more realistic chance because we’re already so committed. But we’ll see.”
At the moment, the Yankees rotation consists of Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt and Marcus Stroman.
Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) taps catcher Austin Wells on the arm as Cole is taken out of the game against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.AP
The fifth spot is likely between prospect Will Warren (who has been impressive but can be optioned) and veteran Carlos Carrasco (who could be lost from the organization if he does not make the team).
Depth options include non-roster invitee Allan Winans and prospects such as Sean Boyle and Cam Schlittler, but it is not just the top of the Yankees rotation that has been hammered by injury this spring. Gone are Cole and Luis Gil (who will miss months with a lat strain) but also JT Brubaker (three rib fractures) and top prospect Chase Hampton (Tommy John surgery).
“We’ve taken a number of hits in the starting rotation,” Cashman acknowledged. “Certainly can’t afford to take too many more. So obviously, rely on what we have and explore what’s outside at the same time.”
Cashman would not call this the most harmful spring training of his Yankees lifetime, and he pointed at last year’s Astros, who were crushed by injury, seemed on the decline and then found their way to the top of the AL West.
He is not happy, but not complaining.
Said Cashman: “As I told Gerrit, ‘We’ll find a way without you.’ ”
Such has been the rallying cry from Cole’s Yankees teammates and coaches, who consistently have pointed to Gil becoming a revelation (and Rookie of the Year) last year.
They will need to find more such surprises.
“It’s a big loss, but it’s also a big opportunity for someone,” manager Aaron Boone said. “We’ll get through it and support Gerrit as he now goes through the rehab process. But nothing changes for us as far as expectations, it’s just going to come in a different way.”
That way will not include Cole on the mound, though the Yankees are still hopeful he can help.
“I think we just added another pitching coach,” Schmidt said.
