Opening Day for the 2025 MLB season is still weeks away and notable New York Yankees players have began to fall like house of cards. Injuries to players on the Opening Day roster have piled up for Yankees manager Aaron Boone and the front office. 12 injured players on the Yankees have been diagnosed with injuries that will cost the major league club valuable time, and money heading into opening day.

The most notable injury for the Yankees is ace pitcher Gerrit Cole. On March 8th it was reported the 34-year-old began to feel pain in his throwing arm during spring training. The right-hander revealed he’s “still got some hope” after receiving an initial MRI test. The Cy Young winner suffered a nerve injury before the start of the 2023 MLB season. Yankees ace Gerrit Cole will require Tommy John surgery and miss the 2025 MLB season. The Yankees ace received a second opinion on his arm and ultimately decided going under the knife is the best option for his career and future with the Yanks. 

The 2024 Rookie of the Year pitcher Luis Gil suffered a right lateral strain in his throwing arm after MRI results results. Gil felt discomfort during a bullpen session on Feb. 28. The young ace had a fantastic 2024 season with a 15-7 record, 171 strikeouts, and a 3.50 ERA. The Yankees announced their plans to shut down Gil on March 6th for at least 6 weeks after receiving a PRP injection, and then re-evaluate the right-hander moving forward.

Giancarlo Stanton is no stranger to the injured list in recent years. Stanton has been diagnosed with severe pain in both elbows and is unable to perform any form of baseball efforts. Stanton had a historical 2024 postseason with the Yankees, hitting .273, 7 home runs, and .709 slugging. Stanton, who recently turned 35 in November, stated the possibility of surgery is an option but that would entail missing the entire 2025 season. 

The Yankees 36 year-old 3rd baseman D.J. LeMahieu returns to the injured list with a strained with calf strain. LeMahieu started feeling discomfort during his spring training debut at the plate. MRIs revealed a grade 2 strain on his left calf muscle requiring him to suspend baseball activities until further notice. The Yankees 3rd baseman missed most of the 2024 regular season due to a toe injury suffered during spring training. Later suffering a hip injury that would end his season before the Yankees playoff run. With multiple injuries in recent years, LeMahieu’s absence at the position has been a topic of concern.

General Manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone have attempted to find various solutions at 3rd base. The position was also offered to former Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres who respectively declined playing the hot corner. Cashman acquiring 2nd baseman Jazz Chisolm during the 2024 MLB trade deadline, however, boosted the Yankees’ defensive and offensive numbers drastically at the position. The Yankees have decided not to address the need for a 3rd baseman so far in the offseason. Perhaps another trade during the 2025 season will solve their issues at 3rd base, but for now, infielders like Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza will rotate at the position heading into opening Day.