The New York Yankees haven’t played a regular season game yet, and the injury bug already is gutting their roster.
It was revealed on Saturday that Gerrit Cole is seeking second opinions after an elbow injury in Thursday’s spring training game. Nothing is confirmed yet, but there’s a chance the ace of the Yankees could miss significant time.
His absence would leave a huge hole in the rotation that can’t be filled internally. The Yankees would have to go out and trade for a pitcher, but who might that be?
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Eric Fedde
This move should be a no-brainer for the Yankees. Brian Cashman should’ve been on the phone with John Mozeliak on Friday about acquiring Fedde. In 31 starts last season, he recorded a 3.30 ERA with 154 strikeouts in 177 1/3 innings.
Fedde may not be your ace, but he’s a pitcher who will take the mound every five days and give you quality performances almost every time. He’s set to make just $7.5 million in 2025 before becoming a free agent in 2026. Fedde would be a great fit for the Yankees if Cashman searches the trade market.
Luis Castillo
Luis Castillo was in trade rumors all offseason, but he stayed with the Seattle Mariners. Now, Cashman could opt to go all-in and acquire the three-time All-Star. Castillo recorded a 3.64 ERA with the Mariners last season and has struck out 394 batters in his last two seasons.
Castillo is the ace-like pitcher the Yankees would be looking for if Cole is out long term. He’s been the ace of the Mariners since they acquired him from the Cincinnati Reds. Castillo would be expensive, in terms of money and the trade package, but his presence on the mound would be well worth it.
Dylan Cease
Dylan Cease is like the porridge that was “just right” in Goldilocks and the Three Bears. He can be the ace that fills the Yankees’ needs without breaking the bank in more than one way.
Cease is set to make $13.75 million in 2025 and will become a free agent at the end of the season. He posted a 3.47 ERA for the San Diego Padres a season ago with 224 strikeouts. Not only is he someone the Yankees could trade for, but he could also receive a nice contract extension from the team as he hits his prime at 29 years old.
The Yankees would thrive with a pitcher like Cease, and he would easily fill the void left by Cole no matter how long he’s out. One thing for certain is the team has to do something if its current ace misses significant time.
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