The New York Yankees could be facing tough times as the 2025 season begins. Not long ago, the team had six or seven pitchers with major league potential. However, Luis Gil is now sidelined with a lat strain, expected to keep him out until the summer. On top of that, Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole is dealing with a sore throwing elbow, and early reports suggest it could be a worst-case scenario.
Cole and the team are awaiting a second opinion after initial tests. If the injury does require surgery, there’s a real possibility that the Yankees’ ace could be out for an extended period. Given the circumstances, it would be wise for the Yankees to consider trade options for pitchers to fill Cole’s spot. One of the top candidates available is former Yankee Sonny Gray, now with the St. Louis Cardinals.
This emergency Yankees-Cardinals trade could replace Gerrit Cole with a reliable righty
Sonny Gray, who spent a year and a half with the Yankees, posted a 4.51 ERA during his time in the Bronx. Since leaving, however, he’s transformed into a much more effective pitcher, with a 3.35 ERA and 19.7 WAR over 152 starts.
Hypothetical Trade:
New York Yankees Receive:
- RHP Sonny Gray
- Cash Considerations
St. Louis Cardinals Receive:
- LHP Brock Selvidge
- RHP Cade Smith
This trade would see Gray return to the Yankees, with two pitching prospects, Brock Selvidge and Cade Smith, heading to the Cardinals. The deal also includes a cash payment from St. Louis to help offset part of Gray’s contract.
Brock Selvidge (22) has impressed in every season of his career, holding a 3.62 ERA in nearly 300 innings across various Minor League levels. He boasts a solid four-pitch mix and good command, making him a potential big-league starter in the future.
Cade Smith (22) has two outstanding breaking balls, making him a dominant force in the Minor Leagues. In his first pro season, he struck out nearly 120 batters in under 100 innings. If he can maintain his control, he projects as a mid-rotation pitcher.
This trade benefits both teams. The Cardinals shed salary by moving Gray, which also opens up a rotation spot for a young prospect like Tink Hence. In return, they get two promising pitching prospects. For the Yankees, they acquire a dependable right-hander at a lower cost compared to trading for top-tier prospects like Will Warren or Spencer Jones.
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