MLB insider claims J.D. Martinez is 'last thing' Yankees need after Gerrit Cole's season-ending injury

With the fields set for the upcoming opening day, the New York Yankees are faced with one of the most important challenges ahead of the 2025 MLB season. As the talented pitching star Gerrit Cole took a back seat after a major update about his health was announced, the tension in the Yankees management can already be seen with respect to the roster shuffle. Recently, a well-known MLB insider suggested that J.D. Martinez is one of the most appropriate replacements for Gerrit Cole on the Yankees team. As Gerrit Cole took a back seat for the upcoming MLB season due to his unfortunate health update, the New York Yankees have become the talking point in the MLB world. Recently, reputed media outlet Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer wrote about the probable options for the Yankees to fill in the gaping hole created by their pitching star Gerrit Cole. According to Rymer, the Yankees might re-sign Anthony Rizzo in order to fill in Cole’s position on the roster. Rymer predicted-“There’s been little action on the 35-year-old Rizzo throughout the offseason, yet he was adamant last month about wanting to continue his career.” He further mentioned: “Though he hasn’t been the same player since suffering a concussion in 2023, the three-time All-Star may find a fit with a team in need of a left-handed bat at first base or DH.”Rymer even mentioned that Anthony Rizzo can easily replace Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton. The New York Yankees acquired Anthony Rizzo from the Chicago Cubs at the 2021 MLB trade deadline, and the first baseman has spent the last three and a half seasons with the team.In the 2024 season, Rizzo posted a.228/.301/.335 slash line, hitting eight home runs with 35 RBIs and 38 runs in 92 games. Over his 12-year MLB career, Rizzo has earned over $135 million and was named an All-Star three times with the Cubs between 2014 and 2016.This offseason, the Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt to play first base, reducing the need to re-sign Rizzo for that role. However, the Yankees are set to begin the 2025 season without Giancarlo Stanton, who is recovering from injuries to both elbows. Stanton’s recovery timeline is uncertain, and surgery is a potential option.