Spring Training Injury Updates

• 🤕 Gerrit Cole has been recommended for Tommy John surgery, though he is seeking a second opinion. This is a significant blow to the Yankees, potentially impacting their status as AL East favorites.
• ⚾ Luis Severino is also dealing with a right lat strain and is expected to be out for three months.
• 🚀 Grayson Rodriguez is sidelined with tricep soreness and elbow inflammation, starting the season on the IL.
• 🤕 Gunnar Henderson is dealing with an intercostal issue, a tendon between the ribs, which requires time to heal.
• 💔 Francisco Alvarez broke his hamate bone and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks, a tough blow for the Mets.
• 🏥 George Kirby has right shoulder inflammation, described as day-to-day to week-to-week with no structural damage.
• 🏥 Andrew Kittredge will undergo arthroscopic left knee surgery and is expected to miss a couple of months.

Yankees' Rotation Concerns

• ❓ The Yankees face significant rotation questions after Cole's potential surgery and Severino's injury.
• 🎯 They may need to look outside the organization for pitching, with Sandy Alcantara and Jordan Montgomery mentioned as possibilities.
• 💰 Acquiring a pitcher like Alcantara could be costly in terms of prospect capital.
• 🤔 There's concern the Yankees might not make a significant move due to their luxury tax situation.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s Contract

• 💰 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is seeking a long-term extension, with rumors suggesting a 14-year deal worth around $600 million.
• 📈 The Blue Jays reportedly offered him a $340 million extension earlier in the offseason.
• 🤷‍♂️ The high demands raise questions about his market value compared to players like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto.
• ⏳ Guerrero Jr. has shown excellent peripherals even in down years, suggesting potential for future growth.

Other MLB News

• 🤝 Lawrence Butler signed a 7-year, $65.5 million extension with the Oakland Athletics, a significant deal for the young player.
• ✈️ The MLB season is set to begin with games overseas, highlighting the start of the baseball calendar.
• 🎤 The podcast also touches on various player injuries and contract situations, including Giancarlo Stanton's elbow issues and the Orioles' pitching depth.