The New York Yankees expected Gerrit Cole to lead their rotation this year as they looked to repeat as American League champions. However, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden has reported that Cole has been recommended to have Tommy John surgery. Cole is reportedly awaiting a second opinion, but his missing the season would only make matters worse for the Yankees.
Giancarlo Stanton and Luis Gil will also miss significant time to start the year. Adding Cole to the list of players who cannot contribute puts the Yankees in a sudden position of need. They may need to turn to the trade market to find an adequate replacement for Cole. FanSided’s Zach Pressnell proposed this trade that brings Sandy Alcántara from the Miami Marlins to the Bronx:
- Yankees receive: right-handed pitcher Sandy Alcántara
- Marlins receive: outfielder Spencer Jones, right-handed pitcher Will Warren and shortstop Roderick Arias
“Jones has all the tools to be a big leaguer right now,” wrote Pressnell. “He likely won’t get that chance with the Yankees this season unless somebody goes down with an injury, but the young star could get that chance with Miami. Warren. meanwhile, would slot right into the Marlins rotation. He’s flashed dominant stuff this spring, led by a devastating sweeper. Arias isn’t a big league-ready prospect, as he’s still 20 years old, but the middle infielder has tremendous raw tools. He’s exactly the kind of prospect Miami is looking to add right now.”
Alcántara won the National League Cy Young Award in 2022 and would require a substantial package to acquire. He signed a five-year, $56 million extension in 2021 and has two seasons remaining with a $21 million club option for 2027. He struggled in 2023 and spent 2024 injured.
He has a 3.32 career ERA and could step in to replace Cole as the team’s ace. The Yankees signed Max Fried this offseason and adding Alcántara could help keep them afloat while Gil recovers. Alcántara, Fried and Gil at the top of the rotation would give the Yankees a chance to reach the World Series again.
During Alcántara’s 2022 season, he led Major League Baseball with 228 2/3 innings pitched and 6 complete games. He posted a 2.28 ERA and 207 strikeouts. This spring he has made four starts spanning 8 1/3 innings. He has eight strikeouts without allowing an earned run. If the Yankees can get a version of Alcántara reminiscent of his 2022 season the impact of Cole’s injury would be dampened.
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