Yankees Rumors: Starting Pitching, Budget Constraints
By Editorial Staff
The New York Yankees are continuing their search for rotation upgrades as Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Yankees are still holding talks with free agent starting pitchers Hiroki Kuroda, Edwin Jackson and Roy Oswalt, but that nothing is close with any of the players. Buster Olney of ESPN hears New York could remain in a holding pattern as they will likely take a few weeks to determine whether or not they’ll expand their budget for a starter.
Though the Yankees rotation remains relatively unchanged from a year ago, the market has been kind to them this offseason. It’s been slow to develop for the type of free agent starting pitcher they are seeking, one that can be had on a one-year contract.
It’s been reported that the Yankees not only hope to sign a veteran arm to a short-term deal, but a pitcher that would qualify as a number two starter. Even in this area the market has several viable options remaining.
All that’s left to be determined is how much the Yankees are willing to spend on said pitching.
At this point, the Yankees are not willing to shell out what it will take to bring in one of the more established free agent starting pitchers. New York has also balked at the Chicago Cubs asking price for right-hander Matt Garza.
With several arms remaining available as we approach the middle of January, deals figure to be had in the coming weeks. Olney hears from one executive that said “there are some good value buys out there”. Beyond the big three of Kuroda, Oswalt and Jackson, other starting pitching options include former Yankee Bartolo Colon, Jeff Francis, Jon Garland, Rich Harden, Brad Penny, Joel Pineiro and Joe Saunders.
At this point it appears the Yankees are going to add a starter one way or another. With their budget concerns and reluctance to deal top prospects, the only question remaining is how much New York is willing to pay.
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.