New York Yankees: Addressing Starting Pitching Needs
By Manny Gómez
Madison Bumgarner aka “MadBum”
If there’s one thing that’s very clear, it’s that the Yankees lack a surefire starting pitcher that absolutely owns October. At 29 years of age, 2014 World Series MVP, Madison Bumgarner has solidified himself as one of the clutch postseason performers in baseball history, and should be the Yankees top priority this offseason.
In 16 postseason appearances, MadBum owns a solid 2.11 ERA and 0.89 WHIP. He etched himself in baseball history when he just about singlehandedly won the 2014 World Series for the San Fransisco Giants. That postseason, MadBum pitched a total of 52.2 innings over seven appearances, averaging over seven innings per appearance. He also earned the MVP award for both the NLCS and the World Series.
How can the Giants and the Yankees make this work? Well, the Giants should look to launch a full rebuild this season. As Anthony Witrado of Forbes noted back in August,
"…reality is in plain sight as the Bay Area fog lifts to expose the serious trouble the Giants are in at all levels. Fixing those troubles means no longer sticking Band-Aids on a terminal disease; it means recognizing the best way to get the franchise back on a winning track."
The Yankees are stocked with prospects that are ready to see big league time, including OF Etevan Florial, RHP Albert Acevedo, and LHP Justus Sheffield to name a few. They wouldn’t have to part with any of their big league players.
What’s more, all MadBum is owed for the 2019 season is $12 million.
This seems like a no-brainer and a match made in heaven, but if it doesn’t work out there are more options.