Yankees Rumors: New York Eyeing Dodgers’ All-Star Tony Gonsolin to Bolster Rotation

NEW YORK – The New York Yankees, long known for their aggressive approach to roster construction, may be setting their sights on a much-needed pitching reinforcement as the 2025 MLB season heats up. Sources and ongoing chatter suggest the Yankees are seriously considering a trade for Los Angeles Dodgers’ right-hander and former All-Star Tony Gonsolin. With the Yankees’ rotation struggling and Gerrit Cole’s return timeline still uncertain, fans and insiders alike believe that Gonsolin could be the missing ingredient in the Bronx Bombers’ championship recipe.

Yankees’ Starting Rotation Under Scrutiny

The Yankees began the season with high expectations, especially after a deep postseason run in 2024. However, their starting rotation has been a glaring weak spot. As of mid-April, the Yankees’ rotation ERA sits at 5.17—29th in Major League Baseball—trailing only one other club in the league, a team not even considered a contender this year.

While the offense and bullpen have kept the Yankees competitive, the lack of consistent quality starts has put immense strain on the rest of the roster. The absence of ace Gerrit Cole, who remains sidelined with an injury, has only exacerbated the issue. As a result, manager Aaron Boone has been forced to rely on a patchwork combination of arms, with mixed results.

Why Tony Gonsolin Makes Sense for New York

Enter Tony Gonsolin. The 29-year-old righty, who missed the entire 2024 season following Tommy John surgery, is now on the comeback trail and gaining attention as a potential trade chip. When healthy, Gonsolin has proven himself to be one of the league’s most effective starters. In his last full season in 2022, Gonsolin posted eye-popping numbers: a 16-1 record, a 2.14 ERA, and a 0.87 WHIP over 130.1 innings. His performance earned him a well-deserved All-Star nod and established him as a staple in the Dodgers’ rotation.

For the Yankees, Gonsolin’s upside is clear. Even if he returns at 80% of his 2022 form, he would immediately slot in as the team’s No. 2 starter. His ability to miss bats, limit baserunners, and handle high-leverage situations makes him an ideal fit for Yankee Stadium and the pressure of a pennant race.

Dodgers’ Pitching Depth Makes Gonsolin Expendable

The Dodgers, for their part, are dealing from a position of strength. With Shohei Ohtani expected to return to the mound later this season, and with a rotation featuring stars like Blake Snell, Walker Buehler, and the soon-to-return Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles has an enviable surplus of starting pitching. As a result, Gonsolin—who is under team control through 2026 at a modest $5.4 million salary for 2025—has become expendable.

This combination of cost control, upside, and recent injury history makes Gonsolin an intriguing, yet realistic target for a team like the Yankees, who are looking for value without breaking the bank or gutting their farm system.

What Would It Cost the Yankees?

Yankees trade rumors indicate that the asking price for Gonsolin would not be astronomical, given his injury history and missed time. A likely package could include outfielder Everson Pereira—who has seen his stock rise in the minors—and a mid-tier pitching prospect. The Dodgers may also seek a player to be named later (PTBNL) to balance the deal. This is a far cry from the type of prospect haul required to land a frontline ace like Miami’s Sandy Alcantara, making Gonsolin an attainable target for general manager Brian Cashman.

Impact on the Yankees’ Playoff Hopes

With the AL East as competitive as ever, the Yankees cannot afford to stand pat. The Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and even the Baltimore Orioles continue to improve, making every game and every series critical. Adding Gonsolin to the mix would give the Yankees a proven starter who can stabilize the rotation, lessen the bullpen’s workload, and provide insurance while Cole recovers.

Moreover, Gonsolin’s postseason experience with the Dodgers is a valuable asset. He has started in high-pressure playoff games, including the World Series, giving the Yankees a battle-tested arm for October. His pitch mix—featuring a lively fastball, sharp slider, and deceptive splitter—would play well in the American League and against top-tier lineups.

Yankees’ Front Office Facing Crucial Decision

The pressure is mounting on the Yankees’ front office to address the rotation and keep pace in the AL. Cashman and his staff must weigh the risk of trading for a pitcher coming off surgery against the potential reward of adding a high-upside arm at a reasonable cost. With the trade market yet to fully develop, acting early for Gonsolin could give the Yankees a competitive edge.

Boone has expressed confidence in his young pitchers, but the need for a reliable, veteran presence is apparent. Recent games have demonstrated the rotation’s vulnerability, with the Yankees often playing catch-up by the second inning. A Tony Gonsolin trade could immediately change that narrative.

Fan Reaction and Next Steps

Yankees fans are vocal about the need for a rotation upgrade, flooding social media and sports talk radio with trade proposals and opinions. While some dream of a blockbuster move for a Cy Young winner, Gonsolin represents a smart, calculated risk that aligns with the Yankees’ win-now approach and financial strategy.

As the trade deadline approaches, expect the Yankees to remain active in discussions with the Dodgers and other clubs. Whether or not a deal for Gonsolin materializes, it’s clear that New York is not content to simply wait for Cole’s return. The front office is exploring all options to ensure the Yankees remain legitimate World Series contenders in 2025.