The weight of an uncertain future can break even the strongest of backs. While one can throw a dart in the dark, you never know whether it’ll stick or return to you with equal force. Gerrit Cole is currently that dart thrower, and the New York Yankees are just bystanders whose dreams are at stake. Will Cole’s injury prove to be a minor setback, or is it the beginning of a long absence? Whatever it may be, it certainly has increased the buzz around Jordan Montgomery.

Though the MRI of Cole came in clean, it did show signs of stress on his UCL. That raised a few eyebrows as fans saw a ghost of their past. Whenever reports of stress have come out, many times it has meant that sooner or later the pitcher has had to go through surgery. However, there have been many exceptions to this rule.

Coincidentally, the biggest one was former Yankees’ ace Masahiro Tanaka. Still, that hasn’t lessened the worry around Cole. ESPN’s Paul Hembekides and Buster Olney talked about the “doomsday scenario” for the Yankees that involved them missing the playoffs.

“It obviously starts with Gerrit Cole not returning expediently or effectively,” Hembekides said. However, it was Buster Olney whose words raised concerns.

“I’ve asked the other teams, who don’t have access to Gerrit Cole’s medical information. But they’ve seen this play out, and they know about the treatments and how the players are dealt with. Every person I’ve asked said, ‘Oh, he’s getting Tommy John surgery,” Olney said. While it is just speculation, it sure raises some worries.

For instance, what if these speculations have even a grain of truth in them? Shouldn’t the Yankees prepare for this scenario as quickly as possible? Chances are they may already be trying—at least, the links with Jordan Montgomery suggest as much.

Jordan Montgomery: The prodigal son and savior of the Yankees?

Throughout the offseason, Jordan Montgomery preferred the Texas Rangers over any other team. However, gradually, that desire became an unfulfillable wish. Now that the Rangers have agreed to a deal with Michael Lorenzen, the link has completely collapsed. On the other hand, Jon Heyman of the New York Post revealed yesterday that the Yankees had entered into talks with Scott Boras for Monty. 

For both Monty and the Yankees, this is as obvious as it gets. Montgomery’s suitor list involves the Yankees or the Boston Red Sox, but the Sox haven’t made a move yet. With the regular season beginning in a week, just how much longer can Monty remain unsigned? On the other hand, the Gerrit Cole situation has made it important for the Yankees to shore up their pitching staff. A proven Montgomery could be the answer to their problems.

However, Hal Steinbrenner’s hesitation due to 110% taxation is understandable. But in a make-or-break year, is he ready to sacrifice the World Series over this? 

Read more: Astros to Face-off Yankees for Jordan Montgomery Signing? Bombers’ Pitching Chase in Danger Amidst Thin Market