New York Yankees Starting Pitchers
James Paxton (3.5 fWAR) was supposed to be the ace the Yankees needed and, in some ways, especially at the end of the season, he delivered. In fact, from August 1st until the end of the season, in 11 GS, Paxton posted a 10-0 record with a stellar 2.51 ERA.
However, for most of the season, Paxton Struggled, especially in the first inning of games where 29 of the 71 runs he allowed were scored.
Next season, Paxton will be 31 and still under team control. He will need to continue to improve and demonstrate increased stamina if he wants to be viewed as a true ace moving forward.
FINAL LETTER GRADE FOR 2019: B
This season, Masahiro Tanaka (3.2 fWAR) had arguably his worst statistical season in MLB. A career .636 W-L% pitcher with a 3.75 ERA and 1.128 WHIP, this season Tanaka pitched to a .550 W-L% with a 4.45 ERA and 1.242 WHIP.
In the postseason, however, Tanaka proved once more why he might just be one of the best postseason pitchers ever. In three playoff starts this year, Tanaka tossed 16 IP while posting a 2.25 ERA and having a .148 batting average against.
Recently, it was reported that Tanaka was undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery. It is unclear whether he will miss any time next season.
FINAL LETTER GRADE FOR 2019: C