New York Yankees: Should they wait until next year for a pitcher?
As of now, the New York Yankees possess a serviceable pitching rotation that could potentially lead them into a deep playoff run. But if they want to build a dynasty, they could pick up another talented starter next offseason.
The New York Yankees are still seeking one last piece for their roster before the new year begins. But rather than deal prospects to acquire a starting pitcher, they could wait it out until next offseason, when several skilled starters are available.
General manager Brian Cashman brought back C.C. Sabathia, completing a solid five-man rotation headed by the Luis Severino – the club’s new ace? Along with Masahiro Tanaka, Sonny Gray and Jordan Montgomery, New York possess a top-10 starting crew.
And yet, Gerrit Cole and Patrick Corbin remain in headlines as potential targets. Yankees fans – on Twitter and other websites – are divided regarding whether Cole is a good fit or not.
The naysayers point out the trouble the 27-year-old had during the previous two seasons. Cole posted a 4.12 ERA in those years combined across 319 innings. However, his WHIP was inexplicably high, and he allowed more than eight hits per nine innings in both campaigns.
Nevertheless, Cole did also post a Cy Young-caliber year in 2015, finishing fourth in the voting.
Corbin isn’t valued as highly, but he’s also one of the many options that will be a free agent next offseason. If the Yankees ultimately deal for the southpaw, it’s sure to get rid of Ellsbury and his gigantic contract. If Ellsbury isn’t involved, Cashman can just wait until the end of 2018.
New York currently has six capable pitchers it can use in the rotation. And that’s without mentioning the MLB-ready prospects in the minor leagues, such as Chance Adams.
Although, Chad Green should stay in the pen unless manager Aaron Boone truly wants to limit the younger arms. That leaves Sabathia in the fifth spot, which isn’t a bad thing, considering his presence on the team and experience is an asset to any club.
There are plenty of options to feast on next offseason in the pitching department.
Clayton Kershaw is the most notable one if he chooses to opt out of his contract. But the best pitcher in the game will likely want an enormous deal even the Yankees cannot afford.
If New York plans to drop a load of cash on any pitcher, it could be between three of the other noteworthy players. Corbin, Drew Pomeranz, and Garrett Richards will all be free agents after next season, barring any extensions or trades.
Pomeranz has been an efficient arm throughout the past four years. After struggling to get it together in Boston in his first year there, he rebounded well, posting a 3.32 ERA and winning 17 games. He also garnered 174 strikeouts, even though his walk rate remains relatively high.
The Yankees could replace Sabathia with Pomeranz should he retire or leave after this upcoming year. Or they can take a closer look at Richards and see if he fits in with the already-young rotation.
Los Angeles may attempt to re-sign or extend Richards, but he will need to prove that he’s healthy first.
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The right-hander surprisingly didn’t undergo Tommy John surgery after suffering a dramatic elbow injury early in 2017.
Richards should still be considered the Angels’ ace, even with the arrival of Shohei Ohtani. And he could be a valuable weapon to the Yankees as well, should they be willing to pay for an expensive multi-year deal.
However, that is if the 29-year-old can pitch in the long run.
New York can avoid dealing some prospects to receive an arm in return that could be available in less than 12 months. Cashman surely has his plans, and many fans believe Cole will be in pinstripes before Spring Training.
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But if the Yankees stay quiet for the remainder of the offseason, they will have plenty of choices after next season. And if they genuinely want anyone on the market, they have the money to make it happen – except maybe for Kershaw.