Aaron Boone understands that losing Gerrit Cole could create unprecedented challenges for the New York Yankees early in the 2025 MLB season. However, in his latest remarks, he emphasized that the team must push forward and find a way to overcome the absence of their Bronx ace.
When discussing the Yankees’ mindset following the initial results of Cole’s injury, Boone stated, “It’s part of it. We talk about it all the time. These things are going to happen. There’s going to be tough moments, tough times.” He acknowledged that this is not the first time they will be without Cole at the start of a season.
The Yankees’ manager knows that injuries are an unavoidable part of the game. While the team fully understands Cole’s importance, they must accept the situation and move forward. “Look, there’s no sugarcoating Gerrit Cole [getting hurt]. We all understand who he is to our team and how important he is to our club, but unfortunately, sometimes it’s part of the game.”
Boone also pointed out that last MLB season, Cole missed several weeks with a similar issue—a setback that forced the Yankees to adapt but also opened the door for other pitchers to step up. “We missed him for the first couple months last year this time of year, and it created opportunities that guys stepped up.” The expectation is that the same will happen this season, with many of the same arms ready to contribute to the rotation.
Gerrit Cole is not the only injury the Yankees are facing
Boone knows that with Gerrit Cole out, the Yankees still have to deal with injuries to players like Giancarlo Stanton, Luis Gil, Jake Cousins, among others. There is still much to address. Below is a list of the injured players compiled by Gary Phillips and published on his personal X account (@garyhphillips).
- Gerrit Cole (TJS/done for year)
- Chase Hampton (TJS/done for year)
- Giancarlo Stanton (tennis elbows/indefinite)
- Luis Gil (lat/summer time)
- DJ LeMahieu (calf/shutdown)
- Jonathan Loáisiga (elbow surgery/May/June)
- JT Brubaker (ribs/shutdown
- Jake Cousins (forearm/no OD)
- Clayton Beeter (shoulder/no OD)
- Tyler Matzek (oblique/no OD)
Cole’s Contract Is Still Active
Yankees fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as Gerrit Cole’s contract remains solid until 2028. In 2025, he will receive his salary of $36 million without playing a single game due to the injury that will keep him out, and he will also miss some months in 2026.