rewrite this title Gerrit Cole update could mean Yankees’ playoff hopes are over

The hits keep on coming for the New York Yankees.

Pitcher Luis Gil, the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year, is expected to miss at least three months due to a high grade lat strain in his right shoulder. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton is facing a third series of PPR injections for his severe tennis elbow with both elbows. If that does not work, Stanton may be facing season-ending surgery.

The biggest bomb dropped on Friday. Pitcher Gerrit Cole said that he was “concerned” with soreness in his right elbow after his spring training outing on Thursday. Former GM Jim Bowden of The Athletic reported that Cole was recommended to undergo Tommy John surgery but is seeking a second opinion.

Should that be the case, Cole will not return to the mound for the Yankees until sometime in 2026. This follows an injury-plagued 2024 campaign where Cole only made 17 starts. He posted a 3.41 ERA and a 1.126 WHiP in his 95 innings, striking out 99 batters with 29 walks. 

The Yankees fortified their roster this offseason. Although outfielder Juan Soto headed across town to the Mets, the Yankees were arguably a better team heading into 2025. Pitcher Max Fried would have given the Yankees one of the best first and second starters in the game. Outfielder Cody Bellinger and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt may not be able to match Soto’s production, but they made the lineup deeper. BetMGM listed the Yankees as the favorite to represent the AL in the 2025 World Series.

Instead, those championship aspirations may already be on the rocks. Pitcher Marcus Stroman is already being forced back into the rotation due to Gil’s absence despite his struggles last season. Stanton’s power will not be easy to replace. Third baseman DJ LeMahieu could potentially miss Opening Day. The Yankees’ depth was already being tested before their ace landed on the shelf.

Now, the Yankees are faced with their worst case scenario. Cole’s season is likely over before it could really begin. The Yankees’ playoff aspirations may be over as well.