The New York Yankees are dealing with a significant setback in their starting pitching rotation heading into the 2025 season. With key players sidelined due to injuries and trades, the team’s pitching depth is being tested like never before. Former ace Gerrit Cole is out for the season following Tommy John surgery, and left-hander Nestor Cortes was sent to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for closer Devin Williams. Additionally, Rookie of the Year Luis Gil will miss at least three months with a high-grade lat strain, while top pitching prospect Chase Hampton has also been ruled out for the entire season due to Tommy John surgery.
The situation worsened as another key starter, originally projected as the Yankees’ fifth option, is now expected to begin the season on the injured list. Persistent back and shoulder issues have kept him from appearing in any spring training games recently, raising concerns about his availability for Opening Day. Despite reports that his condition has improved, he remains behind schedule in his throwing program. The team may keep him in Tampa for further preparation while the rest of the squad heads to New York for the season opener against the Brewers on March 27.
Here are the key players mentioned in the news and their current situations:
Pitchers:
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Gerrit Cole – Out for the season due to Tommy John surgery.
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Nestor Cortes – Traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for closer Devin Williams.
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Luis Gil – Sidelined for at least three months with a high-grade lat strain.
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Marcus Stroman – Struggled at the end of last season and was left off the postseason roster but will return due to multiple pitching injuries.
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Chase Hampton – The Yankees’ second-ranked pitching prospect, out for the season with Tommy John surgery.
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– Dealing with back and shoulder issues, likely to miss Opening Day and stay in Tampa to build up his pitch count.
Slugger:
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Clarke Schmidt Giancarlo Stanton – Suffering from tendon issues in both elbows, receiving PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections to avoid surgery. A theory suggests his injuries may have been caused by switching bats based on advice from a former Yankees staff member.
Meanwhile, Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton is battling a painful tendon injury in both elbows, raising further concerns about his durability. Stanton, who has been undergoing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in hopes of avoiding season-ending surgery, is entering the 11th year of his massive 13-year, $325 million contract. However, a surprising theory has emerged regarding the cause of his injury. Reports suggest that a Yankees staff member—who is no longer with the team—advised Stanton to switch bats last season, a change that may have disrupted his mechanics and placed excessive strain on his elbows.
As the Yankees prepare for the 2025 season, they must navigate a difficult path with major questions surrounding both their pitching staff and one of their most high-profile hitters.
