Man, talk about a World Series hangover and for a team that legitimately didn’t win the whole thing. The news coming out of the Yankees Spring Training has been one big blow after another.

The Yankees will see 2024 AL rookie of the year pitcher Luis Gil miss three months due to a lat injury. Furthermore, Gerrit Cole is currently undergoing tests on his elbow, which was an issue a year ago. Life at the plate is taking a hit too, with slugger Giancarlo Stanton on the shelf and his 2025 season could be in jeopardy.

Giancarlo Stanton Could Need Surgery

This team already had questions regarding their offense after Juan Soto left for the Mets in free agency. But now, they will have an even bigger hurdle to climb. Giancarlo Stanton was already on the shelf due to having severe soreness in both of his elbows. That’s not good and really limits his ability to perform at the level he needs to be effective. The recent update really sheds light on how bad things are regarding the injury.

Giancarlo Stanton said his elbow injuries are “considered severe in both elbows.” He attributes it to “bat adjustments” from last season and is unsure when he will be able to resume baseball activities. If surgery is needed, he said it would be season-ending.

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 8, 2025

When Stanton spoke to reporters, he shed light on how severe they are and that there is a good chance he will need season ending surgery. He attributed this to the adjustments he made at the plate that season. Stanton is unsure when he will be able to resume baseball activities at all. There is a very good chance the big power bat for the Yankees does not see a plate appearance this season, making this Yankees season offensively a concern moving forward.

Injuries have been a common theme for Stanton since arriving to the Bronx. Since 2020, the most games he’s played in a single season is 139, and last season played over 110. With Stanton on the shelf, the team will need players to step forward.

Who Can Step Up for the Yankees

Aaron Judge can’t do this alone and it’s almost unfair to ask him to do so. Heck, that’s why they went out and got Soto, so he had a running mate. With Stanton and his power bat out of the lineup, there are players that need to step up and aid the offense.

All eyes will be on Cody Bellinger. The newly acquired center fielder will hope to be the guy that can help contribute. He had a downward 2024, but if he returns to his 2023 form, the Yankees are in good shape.

Top prospect in the system Jasson Dominguez will have every opportunity to prove himself. He has been a consistent mainstay in the minors, but he legitimately has a chance to make a name for himself in the Bronx.

Lastly, Anthony Volpe. He’s a premiere defender, but if his bat improves, the Yankees are in tremendous shape.

The question surrounding this team offensively were always going to be there. With Stanton out, they are even more present. Let’s see who rises to the occasion.