The New York Yankees are indeed facing tough challenges with their starting pitching. While other teams are finalizing names to hit the mound, the Yankees are still in a mix. They are struggling with injuries to key players Luis Gil and Gerrit Cole.
Following the signing of Max Fried, the team initially had a robust rotation, but the loss of Cole to Tommy John surgery and Gil’s month-long absence has left them in a tricky position.
Recently, MLB insider Joel Sherman had some good suggestions for the Yanks to consider, with a couple of names already sparking curiosity. According to Sherman, Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals will make the best case for NY’s current needs amid irritating injury blows.
“It’s a name that will probably make you gasp a little bit, but I wonder if Steven Matz would actually help (the Yankees) right now. The Cardinals have tried to trade him for like two years, maybe even longer than that. It seems like the day they signed him, they started trying to trade him, and they haven’t,” the insider recently said.
Potential starting pitching trade targets for the Yankees after losing Gerrit Cole 👀
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) March 12, 2025
Pinstripe Post with @Joelsherman1.
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While the name seems nice to have on the roster, Matz does not come without some ifs and buts. He has had a tumultuous career, marked by injuries and inconsistent performances, including his tough stint with the Mets in 2020. But Sherman sees only positive vibes coming from him.
“The one thing Matz has done well is for the last three years, he’s been forced to the bullpen. He’s been a good lefty out of the bullpen. So, like, the day Gil comes back or the day you trade for someone else, Matz goes to the bullpen, and you have some depth,” he further added.
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Yankees Star Gerrit Cole’s Season Ends With Unfortunate Tommy John Surgery
While the difficulties are far from over, Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is set to undergo Tommy John surgery. Unfortunately, it will mark a significant blow to the team’s hopes for the 2025 season. The team announced that the procedure will take place on Tuesday in Los Angeles, with renowned orthopedist Neal ElAttrache at the helm.
This surgery, the first major one in Cole’s 13-year career, will effectively end his season before it even begins.
Yankees announce RHP Gerrit Cole will undergo Tommy John surgery. pic.twitter.com/zuDYuWPrpG
— MLB (@MLB) March 10, 2025
Cole’s recent struggles with arm soreness came to a head during his second spring training start against the Minnesota Twins. He faced challenges both in command and performance and allowed six runs over just 2 2⁄3 innings. Despite still reaching fastball velocities close to 98 mph, Cole expressed concern over the alarming pain he experienced.
Despite the setback, he remains steadfast in his commitment to return stronger than ever. In a social media post, Cole expressed his determination to support his teammates and tackle the rehabilitation process head-on.
With key players Luis Gil and Giancarlo Stanton facing injury challenges, the Yankees’ depth will be put to the test.
Also Read: Pressure To Mount On Gerrit Cole And Max Fried As Yankees Pitching Injuries Cause Major Concern
