Coming off of a disappointing world series berth and an interesting offseason where the Yankees lost superstar Juan Soto and replaced him in a flurry of deals, the Yankees came into spring training with a lot of optimism for the upcoming season.
Despite the opening at 3rd base, the lineup looked solid, the rotation was nasty, and the bullpen was among the best in the league. That was until the injury bug smashed through the Yankees camp in Tampa.
Numerous prospects, depth pieces, and of course: the Ace, the reigning Rookie of the Year winner, and the starting DH went down with pretty significant injuries early in spring training.
- Gerrit Cole (Tommy John Surgery – out for season)
- Chase Hampton (Tommy John Surgery – out for season)
- Giancarlo Stanton (Severe elbow injuries in both arms – no estimate)
- Louis Gil (High Grade Lat Strain – mid Summer)
- DJ LeMahieu (High Grade Calf Strain – no estimate)
- Jonathan Loaisiga (Elbow Surgery – May or June)
- JT Brubaker (Multiple Broken Ribs – no estimate)
- Jake Cousins (Forearm Pain – no estimate)
- Clayton Beeter (Shoulder Pain – no estimate)
- Tyler Matzek (Oblique Pain – no estimate)
- Scott Effross (Hamstring Strain – no estimate)
Without Gerrit Cole and Louis Gil the once elite rotation now is filled with question marks as young arms like Will Warren will get the chance to step up. Despite injuries in the bullpen, the depth pieces should be able to keep them running until reinforcements arrive as injuries pass. And when it comes to the lineup, losing Stanton is a big blow but the Yankees are hoping that newly acquired 1st baseman Paul Goldschmidt and outfielder Cody Bellinger can step it up.
BHS Freshman Max Fradella explained his frustration with the Yankees training staff. “We have these injuries year after year. When is it time to change the training staff?”
He went on to explain that, “I’m worried about all the players we lost but I think we will be okay to start the season. Hopefully most of them come back and can help us make it to 28.”
All in all the Yankees were hit hard but it is early in the season. With loads of talent, it is too early to call the season but the Yankees surely find themselves in a tough position as opening day approaches.
