Yankees News: Gerrit Cole update, rumored trade replacements, round of roster cuts

UPDATE: Gerrit Cole will officially undergo Tommy John surgery Tuesday.

The entire past weekend was a difficult one to endure for New York Yankees fans. After being hit with troubling Gerrit Cole injury news late Friday night, Giancarlo Stanton revealed an equally concerning update on his status the next morning.

Then, all everybody could do was sit and wait. Brian Cashman made comments that inched fans closer to the harsh reality with Cole, and then on Sunday night it was reported the 2023 Cy Young winner was likely headed for Tommy John surgery with only a second opinion standing in the way of that becoming official.

Based on Cole's concern, Cashman's honesty, and the reality that elbow soreness for two straight years is likely calling for a concrete solution, the Yankees can probably expect to be without their ace until 2026.

And the sooner they can receive the worst-case scenario update on Stanton, the better. The front office can't remain in a holding pattern and must be forced to act by addressing these season-altering vacancies.

It's been reported there could be an official prognosis for Cole on Monday morning, so stay tuned for updates.

Yankees News: Trade replacements for Gerrit Cole, another round of roster cuts

There is no replacing Cole or Stanton, but there are options to keep the Yankees' talented roster in contention. Yankees insider Chris Kirschner answered some fan questions about what's next should Cole undergo surgery.

Dylan Cease and Sandy Alcantara were floated as rumored candidates, and both don't seem like possibilities. Kirschner noted it's a "long shot" the Padres trade Cease before adding the Marlins "could certainly ask" for Jasson Dominguez in trade talks for Alcantara, who is under contract through 2027. With the Yankees in a desperate situation, it's hard to believe they will head to negotiations with these two teams who have nothing to lose while New York holds zero leverage.

Cashman refuses to make "all in" deals when the Yankees are in a position to make sacrifices and trade from areas of strength. Why would he change his approach now when the situation calls for desperation and overpay?

As we await the dreaded updates, the Yankees had to trim their roster at spring training after Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Five players got the boot with things beginning to take shape in Tampa.

All of Duke Ellis (OF), Rafael Flores (C), Erick Leal (RHP) and TJ Rumfield (INF) were reassigned to minor league camp while Jesus Rodriguez (C) was optioned to Double-A Somerset. None of those players figured to make it much furhter in camp, but some fans had hopes Rumfield would've lasted a little bit longer after his encouraging showing at Triple-A last year.

This update also serves as a reminder that the Yankees, year in and year out, have weak spring competition. They do not foster that type of environment despite coming into each and every season with glaring needs (this year being third base and left field). They act as if they have all the time in the world to solve their litany of problems, but the injuries to Cole and Stanton should wake them up to the reality that tomorrow isn't guaranteed.