New York Yankees: CC Sabathia wants to pitch in 2019
Even if it is not with the New York Yankees, CC Sabathia still intends on pitching in 2019.
CC Sabathia has had a rather tumultuous tenure with the New York Yankees. A prized free agent signing, he led the league in wins twice right after signing, and was the MVP of the 2009 ALCS. However, Sabathia also had his struggles, with three rough seasons in the middle of his eight year deal. Eventually, he reinvented himself, changing his approach and settling in as a solid back of the rotation arm.
Earlier this season, Sabathia had discussed retirement, with the idea that 2018 would be his final season. However, he recently took back those comments, culminating with his newly stated intention to pitch in 2019, even if it involves playing for a team other than the Yankees.
CC Sabathia has decided to play next year, which was assumed at this point after he walked back earlier comments of retirement. Also worth noting, he intends to play even if it means signing with a team other than the Yankees.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) September 22, 2018
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Even though Sabathia would turn 39 years old during the 2019 campaign, there should be a market for his services. He has put together a solid showing this season, posting an 8-7 record with a 3.77 ERA and a 1.351 WHiP. Over his 148 innings, Sabathia has struck out 135 batters while issuing only 51 walks. Most teams would take that production from a back of the rotation starter.
Another solid season would further help Sabathia’s Hall of Fame case. As it stands, he has 245 victories and 2981 strikeouts over his 18 year career. It is certainly reasonable to think that he would be able to pick up five more victories and 19 more strikeouts if he remains healthy, as he would reach two significant milestones.
These days, Sabathia is not the workhorse he once was. He is not going to go out and throw for over 200 innings, a mark he reached eight times in his career. However, he is still a valuable arm, and a steadying veteran presence, a pitcher who has been through the battles and knows how to win.
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CC Sabathia is looking to return to the mound in 2019, even if that means pitching for a team other than the New York Yankees. His services will likely be in demand.