Yankees Explore Trades for Pitchers Amid Gerrit Cole Injury

The New York Yankees are facing a critical situation with ace Gerrit Cole, who is experiencing elbow pain and undergoing further testing, raising concerns about his availability for a significant portion of the upcoming season. General manager Brian Cashman has indicated the team must prepare for the worst and explore options to bolster their starting rotation. Potential trade targets include Michael King of the San Diego Padres, who has excelled since leaving the Yankees, and Erick Fedde of the St. Louis Cardinals, who could serve as a cost-effective, short-term solution. Alternatively, the Yankees could aim for a more notable acquisition, such as Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins, though such a deal would require a substantial trade package. The urgency to address Cole's potential absence is heightened by the Yankees' aspirations for a World Series title this year. Depending on the severity of Cole's injury, the Yankees may need to act quickly to secure a replacement.