New York has too many other options
Few mind-blowing moves occurred throughout December. Several of the marquee free agents are unsigned. Teams multiple players on the trade block as well, which makes a difference.
Either way, it means that New York isn’t in a Darvish-or-bust situation.
If starters get hurt early in the year, the Yankees still have other options in their organization. Chad Green, who was one of the league’s best relievers last year, could extend his innings intake. Cashman noted that Green would enter Spring Training as a starter.
Chance Adams could be the next pitching prospect called up, as he was on the cusp of a big-league appearance most of last season. Justus Sheffield, another bright spot in the farm, might be an option by the end of the summer.
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Rumors linked New York to other free agents and players on the trade block. Patrick Corbin and Gerrit Cole are the two primary targets mentioned, but even Michael Fulmer and Alex Cobb are reasonable options.
By acquiring a less-talented arm, the Yankees can retain their best prospects and same money for the upcoming free agent classes.
Corbin could be the most logical option because he only has one year left on his contract, thus if he performs poorly, they can just dump him in the offseason. A deal for Cole wouldn’t be worth it if the front office has to include top prospects.
If New York must include prospects to add another top-tier pitcher, Fulmer is the better option. Cobb hasn’t received much interest from the Yankees as of late but could be a late steal if he remains team-less.
Darvish will find a way to receive a massive contract for a talented contending team. New York has a variety of other avenues it can take to return to the World Series for the first time since 2009.
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Ultimately, while Darvish would improve the Yankees’ chances of returning to the Fall Classic, they don’t need him to succeed. And with a brilliant farm system and loaded 2018 free agent class, saving money might be the more rational option at this point.
Thus, it seems that Darvish could be pitching against New York, rather than for it, in 2018.