The New York Yankees have a strong roster heading into 2025, even after losing Juan Soto to the New York Mets. They appear to be the team to beat in the American League.
However, their spring training has been far from ideal, as several players have fallen victim to the injury bug. Giancarlo Stanton and Luis Gil are going to be out for an extended period, and D.J. LeMahieu is dealing with a calf issue.
Things got worse on Friday when it was announced that Gerrit Cole underwent an MRI after feeling elbow discomfort.
“I’m hoping for the best,” Cole said. “In the game there was a lot of good stuff happening the other day, but as I got home, I just continued to get more and more sore. Something wasn’t right.”
If Cole is out for an extended period of time, it might make sense for the Bronx Bombers to make a trade for St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Erick Fedde.
St. Louis acquired Fedde from the Chicago White Sox last summer, but with the team rebuilding and Fedde on an expiring contract, it makes sense to deal him.
This would give the Yankees somebody that can eat innings and keep them in games to bolster their rotation and get them by until Cole returns, assuming he doesn’t miss the whole season.
Fedde went 9-9 with a 3.30 ERA last year with Chicago and St. Louis. He made 31 starts in his first year back from the KBO and pitched 177 1/3 innings.
While the right-hander isn’t near the pitcher Cole is, the Yankees need to plug a hole. Now, two of their top three starters are likely out.
One spot could be filled by Marcus Stroman, but it would be wise for the Yankees to at least explore the trade market and add an arm to supplement their depth.
More MLB: Yankees $325 million star facing potential season-ending surgery
