New York Yankees: Attractive short-term free agent pitchers
By Kyle Cardoza
The New York Yankees could be without three of its starting pitchers from last season. Before the eminent free agent class of 2018 becomes available, they will need some decent veterans to hold down spots in the rotation until then.
The New York Yankees have made it somewhat of a habit to sign veteran MLB players to one-year deals.
Most of the time it involves a group of sluggers. Matt Holliday and Chris Carter were the two most recent signings in 2017. But, they did the same with Andrew Jones and Kelly Johnson over the past decade.
The Yankees no longer need to load up on bats, with a productive farm system and an already-potent lineup. Cashman now needs to switch his focus to the bump and who occupies it.
There weren’t many successful starting pitchers in the playoffs, but New York’s rotation could have done better.
CC Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka performed well, but the team’s phenom Luis Severino and “golden boy” Sonny Gray floundered under the October lights.
The two youngsters’ lackluster performances in big games are just two reasons why the front office will need to seek help.
With Michael Pineda, Jaime Garcia and CC Sabathia heading for free agency, there are some vacant spots in the rotation.
Some free agents could provide the squad with some veteran, clutch pitching when it matters.
New York won’t be looking for long-term deals, especially with a loaded 2018 free agent class. For now, the Yankees may settle for an old dog with no new tricks rather than an unproven risk from the minor leagues.
Luckily for them, there are plenty of guys worthy of a small-scale contract this offseason. Here are the ones they should aim for.