New York Yankees: Does the Cole trade change anything?

The Houston Astros dealt for Gerrit Cole, becoming the favorites in the American League. Now that they failed to reel in the ace pitcher, what will the Yankees do now?

The New York Yankees seemingly had Gerrit Cole in their hands. And then they lost him.

Houston, with its improved rotation, looks like the team to beat in the American League now. But New York still possesses a loaded roster that can compete with any team in the MLB.

Yet, now that Cole is off the market, the Yankees have to shift their focus to someone else. Whether that will be Japanese ace Yu Darvish is undetermined. Darvish requires a massive contract that the team currently can’t fulfill. Sources said the team might have a shot to get him for $16 to $18 million a year.

General manager Brian Cashman might call several teams to inquire about a starting pitcher. He may also dial in to see if any teams are interested in Jacoby Ellsbury because of his massive contract.

Arizona seemed interested in a sparking up a deal because the D-backs want to improve their farm system. Even though they were a playoff team in 2017, they still possess a limited amount of valuable prospects.

Cashman had his eyes on Patrick Corbin earlier in the season, as the left-hander has just one year left on his contract. The southpaw, when healthy, can be effective. He went 14-13 last season with a 4.03 ERA and 178 strikeouts. However, he doesn’t miss many bats, as he allowed more than nine hits per nine innings throughout the first five seasons in his career.

As of now, Jordan Montgomery and C.C. Sabathia occupy the back end of the rotation. New York desires a top-tier starter. Yet, other than expensive options like Darvish and Jake Arrieta, the free agent market isn’t filled with efficient hurlers.

The Yankees likely have mid-tier options like Alex Cobb and Lance Lynn on their radar. However, the better pitchers desire multi-year options. If New York plans on signing a pitcher to a one-year deal, it would have to involve more seasoned veterans like John Lackey or Jason Vargas.

Cashman may leave his pitching ideas behind and dial in on another infield option. The Yankees have several inexperienced players platooning at second and third base. But that could change by Spring Training.

Todd Frazier might get his wish granted by receiving a multi-year deal in the Bronx. Many other players might get calls, though. Eduardo Nunez, Brandon Phillips, and Neil Walker are just a few options still on the market.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

Moreover, the Yankees could engage in trade talks for a veteran or versatile player. Despite not acquiring Cole, they can still ask the Pirates about Josh Harrison.

There are also other players in the last year of their contract that could be enticing to the front office. D.J. LeMahieu, Brian Dozier, and Daniel Murphy all showed promise throughout the previous few seasons – in different ways.

Nonetheless, the Yankees may have to relinquish prospects to gain an extra infielder. But if they think it’s worth it, Cashman and his crew can make a deal happen.

At this point, it’s either save money and surrender prospects to receive a valuable return. Or, the club can spend money on a free-agent piece and hope the risk pays off.

Next: What infield options are available?

No matter what it does, New York will be a prime competitor in 2018. But Cashman needs to present his rebuttal to Houston.

It’s the Yankees’ turn now. All eyes are on them in the American League.