MLB Insider Throws Cold Water on Idea of Yankees Trade for Gerrit Cole Replacement

New York is adjusting to life without its ace.

Dylan Cease pitches during the Padres' 4–3 loss to the Dodgers on Sept. 25, 2024. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

A day after they announced that ace pitcher Gerrit Cole would undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery, the New York Yankees continue to reel. A new number one starter will have to emerge on a team seeking to repeat its 2024 successes.

According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, you can likely cross out one much-discussed trade candidate from a list of potential Cole replacements: San Diego Padres hurler Dylan Cease.

"I would hesitate to rule out anything in terms of moves [Padres general manager] A.J. Preller could make," Morosi said Tuesday. "However, I would say this: The expectation in the industry over the last 24 hours is that Dylan Cease is not going to be traded to the Yankees."

Cease, twice a top-five finisher in the Cy Young voting, is set to hit free agency after the 2025 season. Morosi cited New York's reluctance to add payroll and top-heavy farm system as obstacles to a deal.

"I just do not think we are going to see a Dylan Cease trade that rescues the Yankees' rotation," Morosi said.

---

More MLB on Sports Illustrated

feed