A new report seems to open the door for the New York Yankees to add depth to their starting rotation by signing an MLB legend at a bargain rate.
We are deep into the MLB offseason, and the Yankees have underwhelmed their fanbase. This time of year, the club is known for making big moves to maintain the high standard the organization has set. Yet, as we head into the second week of January, the most notable thing that has happened is outfielder Trent Grisham accepting the teams $22 million qualifying offer.
It doesn’t help matters that the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles have had very productive offseasons thus far. Throughout the winter, there have been various reports and rumors about the organization evaluating the free agent and trade markets for starting pitching. Yet fans are still waiting for a worthwhile addition to be made.
On paper, the NY Yankees can have one of the best rotations in the American League when healthy. However, ace Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon are expected to miss time early in the season as they finish recovering from major surgeries. So the Yanks could use a good, proven veteran to add some depth to the rotation.
Should Justin Verlander Be an Option for the NY Yankees?
On Tuesday, ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers gave an update on the market for one player that could be an intriguing option for the Yankees in 2026: Future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander.
“The finish to Verlander’s season flew under the radar. Teams have taken some notice of the soon-to-be 43-year-old’s second half, in which he ranked in the top 10 in MLB in starts, IP, ERA, fWAR, and several other categories beginning with his second start after the All-Star break,” Rogers wrote.
“An early pectoral injury didn’t stop him from finishing strong. One team suggested taking a judicious approach like the Los Angeles Dodgers did with Blake Snell or even the Blue Jays with Max Scherzer,” he added. “If you don’t need him for 29 starts — that’s how many he made last year — then Verlander could be even better for a contender.”
The three-time Cy Young Award winner made just $15 million on a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants in 2025. With the market for his service being limited so far this offseason, he could potentially be had by the Yankees for the same price or slightly less.
