Gerrit Cole could be the answer to the New York Yankees’ darkest nightmares.
Following a poor performance during spring training on Thursday, Cole had testing done on his right elbow. MLB reporter Jim Bowden revealed on Sunday night that Cole had been advised to have Tommy John surgery. Bowden states that before making a choice, Cole will seek a second medical opinion.
In 2024, Cole experienced a similar elbow problem during spring training. Cole attributed his right elbow’s subsequent diagnosis of nerve inflammation to becoming “a little too hot a little too quick” during his spring training performances the previous year.
Cole signed a nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees prior to the 2020 season, and in November he first exercised the Year 5 opt-out. Ultimately, a new agreement was reached between the two parties, according to which Cole will get $144 million over the following four seasons.
According to source, Gerrit Cole has been recommended to have TJ surgery… but they are now waiting for a 2nd opinion to confirm the diagnosis #Yankees
— Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) March 10, 2025
Cole had a strong 2024 at the top of the Yankees’ rotation even though he missed half of the previous campaign. After 17 starts, he ended with a 3.41 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. Last season, he made the fewest starts in a season that wasn’t cut short, with just 17.
Cole, 34, is considered one of the best pitchers and was the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner. For the Yankees, losing Cole for the season would be disastrous.
