The New York Yankees reliever Jake Cousins carved out a surprising and much-needed role for the team in 2024. A spring training acquisition for cash from the Chicago White Sox, Cousins became a staple of the Yankees’ bullpen almost overnight. He not only delivered a career-low 2.37 ERA across 38 innings but also flashed swing-and-miss stuff, punching out more than a third of the batters he faced. For a team ravaged by injuries throughout the year, Cousins was one of the feel-good stories in the Bronx.
Now, that story might be heading for its darkest chapter yet.
UCL Injury Clouds Cousins’ Future
Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters this week that Cousins is now dealing with what appears to be a UCL injury — the kind of news that sends immediate shivers down the spine of any pitcher and any front office. The club is still gathering medical opinions, but the worst-case scenario looms: Tommy John surgery.
Cousins has already missed the 2025 season to this point due to a forearm strain suffered in spring training. He attempted a minor league rehab assignment earlier this month, only to experience a setback after just two appearances. That followed a prior delay due to a pectoral issue in May.
If surgery is required, the 30-year-old right-hander would miss the rest of the season and possibly all of 2026.
What the Numbers Don’t Tell You
Cousins isn’t just any reliever — he’s part of a Yankees bullpen that’s already struggled with depth and consistency. His 2024 WHIP of 1.05 and a strikeout rate of 34.2% made him one of New York’s most effective weapons in the middle innings. His unusual slider and deceptive delivery made for a lethal combination, especially in high-leverage spots.
But for all the flashes of dominance, the big issue for Cousins has been durability. Since 2021, he has battled shoulder inflammation, biceps issues, a pectoral strain, and now potentially a torn ligament in his elbow. Despite pitching to a career ERA under 3.00 across parts of four seasons, he has logged only 169 2/3 innings between the majors and minors over the past four years.
A Big Name in the Family, a Bigger Hole in the Bullpen
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Fans and media have frequently highlighted Jake’s connection to his famous cousin, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. The crossover appeal between the two has added extra attention to Jake’s time in the Bronx, and the family narrative was an easy storyline during his breakout in 2024.
But in 2025, people suddenly tie the Cousins name to something far more uncertain. The Yankees don’t just lose a productive reliever. They have lost a spark and another trusted arm during a season where injuries have again mounted across the roster.
What’s Next for New York?
If Cousins indeed needs Tommy John surgery, he’ll join a growing list of Yankees pitchers shelved with major elbow issues. For a team that entered 2025 with World Series aspirations, the bullpen could again become a focus at the trade deadline.
As for Cousins, he’s expected to reach arbitration for the first time this winter, though his salary may remain close to the league minimum if he doesn’t return this season. Still, the hope—for the Yankees, for fans, and the Cousins family—is that he can avoid surgery. But right now, that feels like more of a long shot than a lock.
A diagnosis is expected in the coming days. For now, the Yankees and Jake Cousins can only wait.
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