A.J. Cole initially did a nice job for the Yankees after the Nationals let him go, but it’s time for New York to let him go and give youth a chance.
The steady decline of A.J. Cole isn’t the biggest issue facing the Yankees at the moment, but it’s still something the organization should pay attention to. The time is right to let the veteran right hander move on in favor of a younger, more talented option in the bullpen.
Cole’s ERA has ballooned to 5.58 on the season and he’s been even worse lately. His 6.97 ERA in his last seven appearances is a clear indication his performance is trending downwards. Earlier in the season he did a great job of eating innings for the Yankees’ bullpen, but now he’s a liability.
The timing is right to give someone else his roster spot. At 26-years-old it’s highly unlikely he’s going to suddenly find his groove as a MLB pitcher. This season is pretty consistent with the way he performed with the Nationals previously. Given the one-year contract he’s currently on with the Yankees, there’s very little chance the organization plans to bring him back next season. Letting him go now can only hurt the team this season. It’s much more likely to improve Aaron Boone’s roster.
There are several young, quality arms in the minors who can probably come to the Bronx and provide the team an immediate upgrade. Luis Cessa isn’t the most exciting prospect in the system, but he’s already come up to take CC Sabathia’s spot in the rotation. He could easily slide back into the bullpen once the veteran southpaw gets healthy again.
There are, of course, more intriguing options. Chance Adams threw the ball pretty well in his one start at Fenway Park. He has struggled with command in the minors this year, but his stuff might play up out of the bullpen. At the very least, giving him some more innings this year would give Brian Cashman and company a better idea of the sort of pitcher he can be moving forward.
Justus Sheffield would be the most exciting replacement of all for Cole. The higher-ups in the front office seem to be very concerned with rushing him to the majors, but he’s pitched really well in AAA lately. Sheffield might be better suited to join the rotation, but adding another left-hander to Boone’s options late in games could give the Yankees a real boost down the stretch.
No matter who takes his place, it’s time for Cole to go. He was a good band-aid for the Yankees bullpen for most of the season, but his poor pitching as of late combined with his lack of upside makes him a poor use of a roster spot. Cashman should give his innings to a younger pitcher with more upside for the rest of the season.