Yankees' Gerrit Cole to Undergo Season-Ending Tommy John Surgery on Elbow Injury

The New York Yankees' hopes of returning to the World Series took a major hit on Monday.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is set to undergo Tommy John surgery to repair a torn right ulnar collateral ligament and will miss the entire 2025 season.

Cole addressed the situation on Instagram:

"From the time I first dreamed of wearing the Yankees uniform, my goal has always been to help bring a World Series championship to New York. That dream hasn’t changed—I still believe in it, and I’m more determined than ever to achieve it.

"Today, the most respected medical experts in the field recommend that I undergo Tommy John surgery. This isn’t the news any athlete wants to hear, but it’s the necessary next step for my career.

"I have a lot left to give, and I’m fully committed to the work ahead. I’ll attack my rehab every day and support the 2025 Yankees each step of the way. I love this game, I love competing, and I can’t wait to be back on the mound—stronger than ever.

"See you soon.

"—G"

Jim Bowden of The Athletic reported Sunday that Cole was recommended to have Tommy John surgery on his injured elbow, but New York was waiting for a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis.

The 34-year-old made two Spring Training starts prior to the surgery announcement. Cole didn't seem limited in his first appearance, striking out five batters in 3.1 innings of work.

His second outing didn't go as planned, allowing five hits and six earned runs in 2.2 innings against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. Cole later underwent diagnostic tests on his elbow, telling reporters that he was "concerned."

The 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner has been hampered by injuries as of late, recording just 17 starts in 2024 after dealing with nerve irritation in his elbow at the beginning of the year.

Cole was still effective when healthy last season, finishing with a record of 8-5 to go along with a 3.41 ERA. He also racked up 99 strikeouts in 95 innings.

The six-time All-Star's upcoming absence is an especially tough blow to a Yankees rotation that was dealing with health issues, as right-hander Luis Gil was already expected to miss at least three months with a high-grade lat strain.

Veteran slugger Giancarlo Stanton will also open the regular season on the injured list due to elbow issues.

With Cole out, Max Fried is now expected to headline New York's 2025 rotation.