The New York Yankees will not have Gerrit Cole this season as he recently underwent Tommy John surgery. Luis Gil is dealing with a lat strain that will sideline him for an extended period. Now, Clarke Schmidt is expected to start the season on the injured list as well, according to the New York Post’s Greg Joyce. With three significant injuries in the starting rotation, the Yankees could prioritize adding a pitcher at some point this season. Even when Gil and Schmidt are ready, the Yankees need to find a replacement for Cole. SNY’s John Harper predicted the Yankees would swing a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins for Sandy Alcántara this season. The Yankees originally had hoped Max Fried could join Gil and Cole to prevent the need for a midseason trade for a starter.
“But with Cole lost for the season and Luis Gil for months, the only way to replicate that formula is to trade for Alcantara this summer. This is assuming the Miami Marlins’ ace returns with dominance after Tommy John surgery, and he appears to be on his way after a strong spring training. The cost will be high, as Alcantara is under contract through 2027, including a team option year, but the Yankees could well be desperate to win before Aaron Judge gets old. And the Marlins seem to be at the beginning of another rebuild.”
Alcántara won the National League Cy Young Award in 2022 with a 2.28 ERA and 207 strikeouts. He led the big leagues with 228 2/3 innings pitched and six complete games that season as well. He struggled the following year and missed all of 2024. The Marlins traded two of their star players, Luis Arráez and Tanner Scott, last season. They will hope Alcántara rebuilds his trade value so that a contending team like the Yankees will pay a premium for him. This spring Alcántara has made five starts spanning 12 1/3 innings. He has not allowed a run and has 10 strikeouts.
Alcántara signed a five-year, $56 million extension in 2021 and has a $21 million club option for 2027. He has a 3.32 career ERA. He is a workhorse who could lead the Yankees through October.
