The New York Yankees haven’t been as big of spenders in MLB free agency in recent years as many have come to expect. However, New York is reportedly poised to spend this winter with three starting pitchers emerging on their radar.
Injuries devastated the Yankees’ rotation in 2022. Frankie Montas missed nearly the entire year and both Carlos Rodön and Nestor Cortes missed significant time. After experiencing their pitching depth decimated from April through September, New York seems to be prioritizing depth in free agency.
- New York Yankees pitching stats 2023: 48 quality starts (22nd), 3.97 ERA (9th), 1.24 WHIP (6th)
Related: New York Yankees among favorites to land pitcher
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees have already looked into Japanese superstar Yoshinobu Yamamoto, veteran hurler Jordan Montgomery and Montas.
New York’s interest in Yamamoto has been well-known, with the young Japanese hurler viewed as arguably the best starting pitcher available this winter. However, there’s expected to be an intense bidding war for him that could result in multiple contract offers north of $200 million.
It’s likely part of the reason why the Yankees are also pursuing starters who would add depth to their rotation. Montas, who made one start, has fully recovered from a right shoulder injury that has plagued him for two years. He’s expected to receive significant interest in free agency, but will likely have to settle for a prove-it contract.
Montgomery would be a reliable option for New York. He posted a 3.20 ERA across 188.2 innings pitched this season and has covered 160-plus innings in each of the last three seasons. In 98 career games in a Yankees’ uniform from 2017-’22, he compiled a 3.94 ERA.
The Yankees might ultimately miss out on Yamamoto with the Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers viewed as the favorite to land him. However, adding multiple starting pitchers to their rotation could be the best thing for New York in the long run.
