New York Yankees: Potential Rotation Fits for 2019

A superb 2018 season came to an unceremonious ending for the Yankees. With an offense that’s sure to be among the games best, addressing the rotation could give New York a shot at the World Series.

It’s no secret – the New York Yankees need help with their starting rotation. They’re going to get one this winter. Maybe two. Is three really out of the question?

After all, they have just two starting pitchers ready to go for next season.

Alright, that might sound bad, but it’s the truth. Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka are the only two starters signed beyond 2019.

With no clear ace on the trade market this coming offseason, Cashman & Co. will take the free agency route.

Top prospects Justus Sheffield and Chance Adams will have a chance to (maybe) fill a back-end spot, but the uncertainty surrounding them is probably too great a risk for for Cashman to take.

Luckily for them, this years market will bear plenty of options.

One of the teams best pickups at the trade deadline, J.A. Happ, would be a smart resigning. In his 11 starts with New York, he pitched to a 2.69 ERA, 8.9 K/9 rate and 7-0 record.

He’d come relatively cheap, as he’ll be 36 years old later this month. Based off what the team will probably do in free agency, he could be back as the teams No. 4 or five starter.

However, Cashman’s best pickup could come from out West, where Patrick Corbin made his love for the Yankees quite clear this past summer.

"“It would definitely be great to play there,” Corbin said. “I grew up a Yankee fan. My whole family are Yankee fans. My mom, my dad, my grandpa, everybody. Really, every generation of my family has been Yankee fans.”"

He’d be the teams No. 2 starter, assuming Severino stays at the top spot. He’d slot in nicely between Severino and Tanaka, as the 29-year-old went 11-7 in 2018, with a 3.15 ERA and11.1 K/9. He did this in Chase Field, which is regarded as one of the more hitter-friendly ballparks in the league.

Anything can happen in free agency, but it seems as though the signs pointing Corbin to New York are very real.

When Cashman traded for infielder Brandon Drury last offseason, he inquired about Corbin, too. Don’t be surprised if he’s one of the team’s first free agent signings.

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One name to keep on is Dallas Keuchel.

The 30-year-old has had a rough year, leading the league in hits allowed. But, he threw to a 2.90 ERA just a year ago.

It will be interesting to see the market that develops for him, and bet on the Yankees keeping tabs on the situation.

Speaking of Houston, they’ll also see Charlie Morton hit the market. He threw to a 3.13 ERA this past season and 15-3 record.

All of this could be for naught if Clayton Kershaw actually tests the free agent waters. It will be fascinating to follow the potential development, as he’d undoubtedly be one of the markets most sought after commodities.

The Yankees will have money to spend this winter, that much is certain. If Kershaw opts out, here’s what a potential New York could look like next spring.

1. Clayton Kershaw
2. Luis Severino
3. Patrick Corbin
4. Masahiro Tanaka
5. J.A. Happ or C.C. Sabathia

If Kershaw doesn’t opt-out, here’s another possibility.

1. Luis Serverino
2. Patrick Corbin
3. Masahiro Tanaka
4. Dallas Keuchel
5. J.A Happ or C.C Sabathia

Stay tuned. Changes, and the Yankees offseason, are coming.