The New York Yankees received worrying news about Gerrit Cole after his first Spring Training start, as the ace experienced unusual discomfort in his right elbow and was set to undergo an MRI. While it’s premature to panic, the Yankees were already exploring additional pitching options this offseason, with USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reporting them as the only team to formally offer reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. With Cole’s condition uncertain, the Yankees may intensify their pursuit of pitching reinforcements. Christopher Kline of FanSided suggested considering Zack Greinke, a six-time All-Star, as a potential short-term replacement for Cole, despite acknowledging Greinke’s diminished performance compared to his prime years.
In his 20-year career, Greinke has amassed impressive statistics including a career 3.49 ERA, 2,979 strikeouts, and over 3,389 innings pitched. He boasts numerous accolades such as a Cy Young Award, six Gold Gloves, and two Silver Slugger Awards. While Greinke aims to continue pitching in 2024, his recent 5.06 ERA season with the Kansas City Royals indicates a decline in performance. Nonetheless, his durability and command remain noteworthy, potentially making him a viable option for the Yankees, particularly if Cole’s absence persists.
If Cole’s injury sidelines him for a significant period, the Yankees could explore alternatives such as acquiring Snell or turning to prospects from their farm system, as suggested by Mike Axisa of CBS Sports. However, replacing Cole’s impact would be challenging. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Cole’s status, there’s currently no definitive reason to believe he’ll miss his projected Opening Day start. Nevertheless, Yankees fans may understandably feel apprehensive given Cole’s history of consistency and durability.
Ultimately, the Yankees face a pivotal decision regarding their pitching rotation, with the health of Cole looming large as they evaluate their options for the upcoming season.