Gerrit Cole’s elbow injury delivers a significant blow to the New York Yankees, leaving their rotation with more questions than answers as the 2024 season approaches. However, the extent to which it lowers their ceiling is debatable.
The Yankees still have a formidable roster, bolstered by the offseason additions of Max Fried and Devin Williams. Their rotation, even without Cole, features Fried, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil, which, while talented, lacks the consistency and durability that a Cy Young winner like Cole provides. Offensively, the loss of Juan Soto in free agency stings, and Giancarlo Stanton’s durability remains a concern.
Yet, the American League as a whole is far from dominant. The Yankees’ path to the AL Pennant remains viable due to the overall mediocrity of their competition. Baltimore, Texas, and even a resurgent Detroit could pose threats, but none have distanced themselves as overwhelming favorites. The real challenge, however, lies in the World Series. Against an elite National League club—especially the juggernaut Dodgers—the Yankees’ chances of winning a seven-game series without Cole seem much slimmer.
Ultimately, while their ceiling remains an AL Pennant and a potential World Series title, the likelihood of reaching that peak has taken a hit. More importantly, their floor has dropped dramatically, as their depth and durability will be tested throughout the season. If New York can stay competitive, Brian Cashman is likely to pursue an impact arm at the trade deadline, but finding a true replacement for Cole’s dominance is virtually impossible.
