The New York Yankees announced ace starting pitcher Gerrit Cole will undergo Tommy John surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn UCL in his throwing elbow.
As such, Cole will miss the entire 2025 MLB season — a worst-case scenario the team was preparing for after feeling discomfort in his elbow after his second spring training outing.
Cole dealt with an elbow ailment last spring, but was able to return for 17 regular-season starts and, more importantly, anchor a postseason rotation on the way to the World Series.
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New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) during during work outs at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images)
This is a much more serious situation now, though, as he will have a long rehab to get back on the mound in 2026.
Cole addressed his season-long absence in an Instagram post on Monday night.
“Today, the most respected medical experts in the field recommend that I undergo Tommy John surgery. This isn’t the news any athlete wants to hear, but it’s the necessary next step for my career,” he wrote.
YANKEES GM BRIAN CASHMAN ‘PREPARED FOR THE WORST’ WITH GERRIT COLE’S ELBOW ISSUE
“I have a lot left to give, and I’m fully committed to the work ahead. I’ll attack my rehab every day and support the 2025 Yankees each step of the way. I love this game, I love competing, and I can’t wait to be back on the mound – stronger than ever.
“See you soon.”
Yankees GM Brian Cashman told the New York Post and Newsday on Sunday that he was “prepared for the worst,” as Cole received imaging on his elbow following a poor outing against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.
New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning in Game 1 of the baseball World Series, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Cole experienced discomfort in his throwing elbow, and of course, serious concern followed. Cole even acknowledged it over the weekend, saying he was concerned as he looked for second opinions on his ailment.
“Obviously not what you want, but it’s ultimately part of our journey here in 2025,” manager Aaron Boone said about Cole.
Cashman said that last year’s elbow scare hit Cole emotionally, but given his experience with dealing through the injury, it feels different this time around.
But that was before he learned he would need to be shut down for an entire season.
“I was with [Cole] in Tampa. I think last year, [it was] very emotional because it was a whole new experience. This year now, not as emotional because he’s walked this line already. And so, I think he is mentally more prepared to deal with it because he’s already dealt with that once before. And that’s even the worst-case scenario.
New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) pauses before taking the mound against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Dave Nelson-Imagn Images)
“Just generally, we are all in a better position to handle something if we’ve had some experience handling it in the past.”
Cashman added it would be “difficult” to make possible moves at this point in the year to counteract these big injuries, which includes 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil suffering a high-grade lat strain that has him shut down until at least June.
Marcus Stroman was always expected to fill in for Gil, but now, Will Warren and Carlos “Cookie” Carrasco figure to be potential replacements if Cole is unable to go in any capacity.
Cashman could look into the trade market to see if any pitchers like San Diego Padres starters Dylan Cease or Michael King, who was a part of the Juan Soto deal last offseason that landed him in pinstripes, could be available. The Miami Marlins are also a rebuilding squad, and veteran Sandy Alcantara could be made available as well.
New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) warms up during a spring training workout at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images)
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The 34-year-old Cole is coming off a 2024 campaign that saw him pitch to a 3.41 ERA over 17 starts – one year after leading the league with a 2.63 ERA and 209 innings over 33 starts to win his first Cy Young Award.
But when the MLB postseason began, Cole was crucial in helping the Yankees reach the World Series, tossing 29.0 innings over five starts with a 2.17 ERA, 22 strikeouts to 10 walks and only seven earned runs allowed.
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