Yankees Rumors: New York’s Hunt for Starting Pitching
By Editorial Staff
Last week it was reported that the New York Yankees were desperately seeking a number two starting pitcher. Though it’s unknown what the Yankees are willing to give up for an arm that will compliment ace C.C. Sabathia, Ken Davidoff of Newsday.com provides updates on several starting pitchers that have been tied to New York this offseason.
Though we’re this late into the offseason, the Yankees still have many viable starting pitching options remaining on the free agent and trade markets. Through the first week of January, New York has been tied to free agents Hiroki Kuroda, Edwin Jackson and Roy Oswalt as well as Cubs right-hander Matt Garza.
At this point, Davidoff believes the arm that is most likely to land with the Yankees this winter is Kuroda. New York is interested in signing a starter to a one-year contract, and Kuroda is rumored to be open to pitching on the East Coast. The right-hander seems to fit the bill of the durable arm general manager Brian Cashman and the Yankees are seeking this offseason.
Still, Kuroda and his agent continue to demand too high of a salary for the Yankees to pull the trigger. The 36-year-old is requesting $13 million currently, and Davidoff believes this figure would have to shrink to $8 or $9 million before the Yankees become seriously interested.
Roy Oswalt is another veteran pitcher that could be had for a single year, though his asking price is reportedly higher than Kuroda’s. Beyond Oswalt’s demands, the Yankees are concerned that the right-hander’s back may not be able to hold up for another full season, especially in the gauntlet that is the American League East.
Davidoff says the Yankees have zero interest in Edwin Jackson at his current asking price, which is rumored to be in the five-year, $15 million annual range. If the Yankees do add a starting pitcher this winter, it will likely be for one year as they are looking to lower their payroll below the luxury tax limit by 2014.
Finally, there is Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza.
Chicago continues to ask for the moon for their right-hander, and the Yankees continue to reject to meet the Cubs lofty requirements. Davidoff reports that the Cubs are looking for a package headlined by pitching prospect Dellin Betances and catcher Jesus Montero, but says bluntly that this isn’t something that will be happening.
For more on the Yankees, be sure to check out Yanks Go Yard.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.