In a move to counterbalance the significant loss of ace Gerrit Cole, who will miss the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery, the New York Yankees have pulled off a blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Yankees have acquired right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde and first baseman/DH Luken Baker in exchange for prospects Cam Schlittler (No. 12) and Gage Ziehl (No. 18), along with outfielder Trent Grisham.
This trade aims to fill the void left by Cole’s absence and bolster the Yankees’ rotation. Fedde, who is coming off a solid 5.6 bWAR season split between the Cardinals and the Cubs, offers a reliable arm to help stabilize the pitching staff. Though not an immediate replacement for Cole, Fedde provides much-needed depth, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the team’s other pitchers.
Additionally, the Yankees are gaining Baker, a power-hitting 28-year-old who, while struggling at the MLB level last season, has shown promise during spring training. While Baker is not expected to replace Giancarlo Stanton in the lineup, he adds another option to the Yankees’ bench and provides insurance at first base and DH.
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In return, the Cardinals are receiving two promising young pitchers in Schlittler and Ziehl, both of whom add value to their pitching depth. Grisham also offers the Cardinals an offensive upgrade, especially with his versatility in the outfield, potentially replacing struggling outfielder Michael Siani.
While this trade doesn’t replace Gerrit Cole’s elite status, it serves as a crucial move to keep the Yankees competitive as they aim for another postseason run. The team is hopeful that Fedde’s steady performance and Baker’s potential power can make a meaningful impact in a challenging season ahead.
