New York Yankees still have a chance to add one more arm
It’s a foregone conclusion to have the New York Yankees as a contender for the upcoming season. However, they still have an opportunity to become even better.
The New York Yankees continue to sign players and adding contributors to their arsenal on offense — the most recent being inking Neil Walker to a one-year deal.
But by doing so, New York continues to neglect its starting rotation, arguably the weakest portion of the team. Nevertheless, general manager Brian Cashman has plenty of options to take into consideration before March 29.
The Yankees possess a fantastic front three in the rotation with Masahiro Tanaka, phenom Luis Severino and Sonny Gray. And while they can do much worse than C.C. Sabathia and Jordan Montgomery on the tail end, there are guys available that can make the squad better.
Alex Cobb is the best option on the market regarding production. Although the right-hander’s repertoire isn’t as perplexing as it was before 2015, he was still consistent last season. He’s a veteran arm that can eat more innings than Sabathia – he tossed 179 1/3 in 2017.
New York likely noticed the red flags attributed to Cobb’s current game. The free agent allowed 22 home runs in a pitcher-friendly Tampa Bay park. At Yankee Stadium, he could surrender as many as 40.
Moreover, the 30-year-old might be worth too much money. Jake Arrieta sat without a team until a few days ago because he wanted a specific contract worth boo-koo bucks. Though Cobb might not be asking for nearly as much as Arrieta was, it could still be a significant sum.
That might be why the Yankees denied him a contract earlier this year.
Who else is available?
Several well-known guys are still on the market searching for a club – whether contenders or pretenders. But a few sit atop the rest as serviceable journeymen for the current campaign.
Surprisingly, John Lackey has not been discussed at all this offseason. The 39-year-old may one of the oldest hurlers in the game, but he still has some gas left in the tank.
But there is a reason why Lackey is still unsigned. He yielded an inane amount of bombs – 36 to be exact – last year. He also posted his worst ERA since 2011. Still, Lackey has veteran experience and, like Sabathia, can be useful come October.
Two unmentioned candidates might remain without new homes even after Opening Day. Trevor Cahill and Jeremy Hellickson each flashed promise throughout the previous two seasons, yet they never put a complete campaign together.
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
If the Yankees choose to be risk-takers, they can sign one of the two, despite all of the issues they have. Cahill had a problem staying healthy throughout much of his career, while Hellickson was just plain awful last year.
However, there is one overlying point that should be acknowledged. Although there are several pitchers available for hire, New York does not need to sign one for the sake of acquisition.
The Yankees have a strong bullpen and loads of talent offensively. Even if the starting rotation does not rank within the top 10 in ERA, the relief corps and frequent bombs can save them.
There are also prospects, such as Chance Adams and Justus Sheffield, ready to make a name for themselves in the bigs. New York is in a great position already, poised to compete for a playoff spot and American League East title.
Next: New York's ticket sales will increase significantly this year
One more pitcher could help though, especially when considering that the younger guys must save their arms for the postseason.