Breaking news: The New York Yankees to Reunite With $75 Million Pitcher in a Blockbuster Trade.
Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees’ ace, was set to have Tommy John surgery, which will keep him out of action for the whole season. He will be out for at least a year following this operation, however he may return in 2026. Cole will now need to be replaced by another starting pitcher for New York to avoid a difficult season. Sonny Gray, a starter for the St. Louis Cardinals, was recently mentioned by Jack Murray of Bleacher Report as a possible replacement for the injured Cole. Gray played with the Yankees for a year and a half before joining the Cincinnati Reds.
“A less splashy option considering his age and past experience with the franchise, but he has been resurgent late in his career,” noted Murray. “He pitched 166.1 innings in 2024 and compiled a 13-9 record and a 3.84 ERA.” It seems probable that the Yankees will wish to retain their best prospects. The Yankees’ future depends on players like Spencer Jones, Will Warren, and Jasson Dominguez, therefore it’s doubtful that New York will deal them away at this time. In light of this, the Yankees are unlikely to acquire an ace like Dylan Cease or Sandy Alcántara. A pitcher like Gray is extremely skilled but much more affordable than they are.
Since leaving the Yankees, the right-hander has pitched 836 2/3 innings with a 3.35 ERA, 3.30 FIP, and 1.13 WHIP. During that period, he has been valued at over 20.0 WAR. For the money it could probably pay to get Gray, New York won’t find a better pitcher on the market. The prospect’s return may not need to be significant at all if the Yankees are prepared to take on a significant portion of the righty’s deal.
