The New York Yankees are in the midst of a challenging situation following the devastating news that their ace, Gerrit Cole, will undergo Tommy John surgery, effectively ending his 2025 season. This setback has forced the Yankees’ front office to scramble for a high-caliber replacement, but their trade talks for a Cy Young-caliber pitcher have hit a roadblock due to financial constraints, high asking prices, and a limited pool of tradeable assets.
One of the primary targets for the Yankees has been Dylan Cease, a top-tier right-hander currently with the San Diego Padres. Cease, known for his durability and strikeout ability, would be a strong addition to the Yankees’ rotation, which now faces a massive void with Cole sidelined. The Yankees have been in talks with the Padres regarding Cease, but negotiations have stalled due to San Diego’s steep demands. The Padres are reportedly asking for a package that includes young pitching talent, a top-tier prospect, and a catcher—an asking price that the Yankees find difficult to meet.
Beyond Cease, the Yankees have also explored other options in both the trade market and free agency. One name that has surfaced in discussions is Erick Fedde of the St. Louis Cardinals, a solid, mid-rotation starter with a reliable track record. Another potential trade candidate is Jordan Montgomery, a former Yankee now with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, Montgomery’s recent struggles have raised concerns about whether he would be the right fit.
In terms of free agents, the Yankees have looked at several veteran arms, including Patrick Corbin and Lance Lynn. Corbin, who previously played for the Washington Nationals, has had an inconsistent career but could provide much-needed innings. Lynn, a former Yankee, is another possible option, though he has been on the decline in recent years. The problem with these free-agent options is that none of them offer the same level of dominance that Cease or other elite trade candidates would bring.
General Manager Brian Cashman has openly admitted that the Yankees are in a tough spot. He has emphasized that while the team is exploring every possible avenue, major moves are unlikely in the immediate future due to financial limitations. The Yankees’ payroll is already one of the highest in baseball, and ownership may not be willing to take on another significant contract. This has left Cashman and his staff with the difficult task of finding a creative solution—whether through a trade, a bargain free-agent signing, or relying on internal options.
One possibility that cannot be ignored is that the Yankees may have to lean heavily on their current rotation. While Carlos Rodón, Nestor Cortes, and Marcus Stroman remain key figures in the starting five, there are concerns about durability and effectiveness. If the Yankees are unable to secure a trade or signing, they may have to rely on prospects or under-the-radar acquisitions to fill the gap.
The pressure is mounting for the Yankees, who have World Series aspirations and cannot afford to let Cole’s injury derail their season. However, unless they can find a way to meet the Padres’ demands or identify a viable alternative, their pursuit of an elite pitcher may continue to face roadblocks.