New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole is reportedly dealing with an elbow issue during spring training.
Cole, the Yankees’ ace, made his second spring training appearance on Thursday in an 8-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. He struggled in the outing, allowing six earned runs over just 2.2 innings.
On Friday, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that Cole is undergoing tests to evaluate his throwing elbow. His condition is expected to become clearer in the next few days.
This isn’t the first time Cole has dealt with an elbow issue in spring training. In 2024, he experienced similar discomfort and was later diagnosed with nerve inflammation in his right elbow. He attributed the problem to pushing himself too hard too quickly during spring training. Although he avoided surgery, the injury sidelined him for the Yankees’ first 75 games of the 2024 season.
In November, Cole initially opted out of the fifth year of his nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees, which he signed before the 2020 season. However, he ultimately agreed to stay under the original terms of the deal. He is still owed $144 million over the next four seasons.
Despite missing a significant portion of last season, Cole was effective when healthy, finishing the 2024 campaign with a 3.41 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 17 starts.
Yankees Land Biggest Need in Trade Proposal
The New York Yankees have struggled to solidify their second base position throughout the offseason. While signing a second or third baseman could resolve the issue—allowing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to shift accordingly—the team has yet to make a move, which comes as a bit of a surprise.
Now, with DJ LeMahieu expected to be sidelined for a few weeks, the need for additional infield depth has become even more pressing.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post proposed a potential solution, suggesting a trade for Luis Rengifo to help fill the gap left by LeMahieu’s absence.
“Why would the Angels do this? Again, Rengifo is a free agent after this season. The Angels signed Yoan Moncada to play third base. No team moves its first round picks to the majors faster than the Angels. Shortstop Zach Neto was taken 13th overall in 2022 and was in the majors in 2023 after 28 minor league games. First baseman Nolan Schanuel was taken 13th overall in 2023 and was in the majors later that season after 22 minor league games.
“You know who is the talk of the Angels’ current camp? Brooklyn native Christian Moore, a second baseman taken eighth overall last year who has played 25 minor league games. Angels manager Ron Washington has not quashed the idea of Moore making the team. Kevin Newman, coming off a good year with Arizona, is around as an infield option as well. Thus, Rengifo is theoretically expendable. He had right wrist surgery last August, but made his exhibition debut on Friday,” Sherman wrote.
Luis Rengifo had an outstanding season last year and would be a great fit for the New York Yankees. With a 116 OPS+, he could be a solid contributor in the middle of their lineup.
As a switch-hitter who excels against left-handed pitching, Rengifo brings a valuable skill set to the infield. On top of that, he is set to earn just $5.95 million in 2025, making him an affordable option for the Yankees.
Given reports that the Yankees are hesitant to spend significantly more, acquiring Rengifo via trade would be a cost-effective move. Beyond his offensive impact, Sherman notes that Rengifo could fill multiple roles and be an important piece of the Yankees’ roster.
“And he is far from an automatic out against righties. Plus, Cabrera would be around to both play against some tough righties and defend late if Aaron Boone wanted to go that way. And Rengifo stole 24 bases in just 78 games last year,” Sherman wrote.
The New York Yankees have had their eye on an infielder like Luis Rengifo for the past year. While they recently acquired Jazz Chisholm, they were also reportedly interested in Rengifo ahead of last season’s trade deadline, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
“Yanks interested in Yandy, Rengifo, Scott, Fairbanks, Finnegan, Erceg, many others, but it’s an extreme sellers market at moment. Pen and Infield/versatility seem to be the focus. Can’t rule out starters but prices very high,” Heyman wrote.
With even more urgency now, the Yankees should strongly consider making a trade for the versatile infielder.
