Yankees' Gerrit Cole to Miss 2025 Season After Elbow Surgery

Gerrit Cole, the ace pitcher for the New York Yankees, will miss the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, significantly impacting the team's World Series ambitions. This decision came after Cole, who had sought a second opinion, confirmed the necessity of the surgery with Dr. Neal ElAttrache. The Yankees face a considerable challenge, losing not only Cole but also Luis Gil, further straining their pitching rotation. While the team had anticipated relying on Cole's return to form, they now must reconsider their strategy, possibly looking to their farm system or free agency to fill the void. Despite adding Max Fried to their roster, the Yankees are still projected over the luxury tax threshold, complicating potential roster changes. The team remains hopeful yet realistic about their playoff chances without Cole's presence on the mound.