New York Yankees rumors continue to pick up steam with the team being linked to multiple big-name players, including Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the MLB free agent market.
We now have more information on the Yankees’ pursuit of starting pitching. According to Jon Morosi, New York is among the most active teams in MLB when it comes to going after top-end starting pitchers. In addition to Yamamoto, that includes veteran Aaron Nola.
It makes sense. The Yankees’ starting rotation was a major issue during what was a down 2023 season in the Bronx. Outside of likely AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole, there wasn’t much to write home about.
Clarke Schmidt (4.64 ERA, 1.35 WHIP), Domingo Germán (4.56 ERA), Luis Severino (6.65 ERA, 1.65 WHIP) and Carlos Rodon (6.85 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) all struggled. Acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Oakland Athletics during the 2022 season, Frankie Montas also pitched in just one game.
The good news for New York is that there are a number of players available, both on the free agent market and via the trade block.
Related: New York Yankees linked to couple of young bats on MLB trade market
New York Yankees starting pitcher options during MLB offseason
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto: The 25-year-old Yamamoto is the crown jewel of the MLB free agent market outside of Shohei Ohtani. In fact, he’s expected to land a record-breaking contract after opting to come over from Japan. He has a 97 miles-per-hour fastball and three other plus pitches, including a cutter, curveball and splitter. Yamamoto would provide the Yankees with two aces, increasing their chances in the American League East moving forward in the process.
- Aaron Nola: A more realistic option for New York is the 30-year-old Nola He’s considered a really good No. 2, having pitched to a 4.46 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in what was a down 2023 season in Philadelphia. Back in 2022, Nola posted a split of 3.25/0.96 while striking out 235 batters in 205 innings. He’d be a major upgrade behind Cole and would come cheaper than Yamamoto.
- Corbin Burnes: While the aforementioned report focused solely on MLB free agency, it would not be a surprise if the New York Yankees got in the trade mix. If so, Burnes is said to be available as the Milwaukee Brewers look to blow things up. The 29-year-old won the National League Cy Young back in 2021, pitching to a 2.43 ERA and 0.94 WHIP while striking out 12.6 batters per nine innings. It wouldn’t come cheap from a prospect standpoint, but Burnes would be a long-term option for New York.
- Blake Snell: Another option in free agency will be the likely 2023 National League Cy Young winner. Snell, 30, is unlikely to be back with the San Diego Padres next season. He was also dominant this past season (2.25 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 3.44 FIP). Snell would likely come in at a cost between Nola and Yamamoto, providing the Yankees another option.
- Shane Bieber: Another player that could be had in a trade is the 28-year-old Bieber. While it would likely come with New York having to extend the 2020 AL Cy Young winner, he’d also be a long-term option. Bieber is coming off a somewhat down season in Cleveland, posting a 3.80 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. From 2020-22, his splits stood at 2.70/1.05. In reality, Bieber would be a co-ace with Cole.
Any way we spin it, the Yankees are certainly in the market for a top-end starting pitcher. Front office head Brian Cashman and Co. should be able to land one of the players mentioned above.