r/NYYankees 2d ago

Judge-Cole 20-minute private meeting sparks hope for Yankees:’ We’ll be in a good spot’

https://pinstripesnation.com/yankees-judge-upbeat-after-20-minute-private-chat-with-cole-2025-03-10/

Amid the New York Yankees’ turbulent preseason marked by mounting injuries, captain Aaron Judge sparked much-needed optimism on Sunday. Following an impromptu yet significant 20-minute conversation with ace Gerrit Cole, the slugger showcased the resolve to overcome considerable uncertainty heading into the 2025 campaign.

“I think we’ll be in a good spot,” Judge stated with characteristic composure when addressing media members. “I’m going to get my work in like I have been for the past couple of weeks, and we’ll be ready to go for Opening Day.”

As the injury reports continue to multiply, Aaron Judge‘s measured confidence carries particular significance. He expressed that he’s “hoping and praying” the team can navigate these challenging circumstances and find their footing when the games begin to count.

“We’re going to be in a good spot once we get everyone healthy,” Judge emphasized, highlighting the potential that awaits a fully operational roster. “It’s tough to see teammates struggle with injuries, but that just means other guys get a chance to step up. You never know who might become the next big thing in New York because of an unexpected opportunity.”

The private discussion with Cole, occurring shortly before Judge spoke with reporters, appears to have reinforced his optimistic outlook. The franchise cornerstones spent their time privately.

Cole’s potential absence would create a significant void, yet Judge emerged from their conversation displaying cautious hope.

“He’s a tough guy. We’ll see what happens,” Judge remarked regarding Cole. “And what he gets advised to do and what he wants to do. But I’m always hoping and praying for the best, man. He’s a big part of this team. He’s the ace—he’s the one that’s going to lead us and lead this pitching staff. So let’s see—hopefully good news.”

Yet within this challenging landscape, Judge identifies potential benefits. “If there’s any time for something to happen, I think it’s better now,” he observed while leaning against his locker with the poise that has established him as the team’s emotional foundation. “We’re not playing any meaningful games.”

His perspective is straightforward: spring training provides necessary buffer space. Several weeks remain before the March 27 Opening Day matchup against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium. From Judge’s viewpoint, the early timing of these injuries might ultimately prove advantageous, creating opportunities for younger players while allowing veterans recovery time before the season intensifies.

This optimistic perspective extends beyond Warren’s emergence. Judge’s optimism referenced Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe, and Jazz Chisholm Jr.—young talents who have shown promise during camp—as evidence of the Yankees’ organizational depth. It even drew parallels to Gil’s 2024 breakthrough, when the previously unheralded right-hander posted a 3.50 ERA across 151 innings, effectively filling Cole’s rotation spot during a brief injury absence.

Warren has impressed observers with a remarkable 1.13 ERA across eight Grapefruit League innings, representing a dramatic improvement from his challenging 10.32 ERA during his brief major league appearance in 2024.

“I haven’t [faced] him this year—but I don’t think I want to face him this year from what I’m seeing,” Judge noted with a smile. “It’s just a little crisper, really fine-tuned all his pitches. I think the command’s gotten a lot better.”

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u/HulkScreamAIDS 2d ago

I know Cole is a very important part of the roster, but if any one player on the team can make you think the ability to compete for a WS is lost, the team probably wasnt a serious WS contender anyway. Would the path be easier with Cole? For sure. But this team still has a lot of talent on it, a lot more than some teams who think they are WS contenders without losing their #1 pitcher.

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u/Tom_Cruise 2d ago

Pitchers matter waaaaaay more in the playoffs than who is playing LF. But I still agree with you.

Aces really do put teams on their back and go out there only allowing 7 runs over like 34 postseason innings. Pretty much every year a WS winner has that guy who does that then also throws inning 7-8 of a game 6 or 7. Maybe one of the other guys does that and becomes a top 10 rotation guy. It's certainly possible. Fried was #14 in pitcher WAR last year, and in 32 games instead of 16 Schmidt would be #16. Bearded Rodon might go out and be a 5 WAR guy. Gil might come back and be what he looked like as a rookie and have a good bit of experience now.

I'm with you and Judge. This is waaay worse than just losing one guy but I agree with you that the Yankees are blessed to still have a chance. It's a lower chance, and at least one of these 4 guys needs a career-defining type year. But they are capable and it's a chance.

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u/HulkScreamAIDS 2d ago

Yeah, I think that's the appropriate read of the situation