The New York Yankees are coming off their first 100-win season since all the way back in 2009, the last time this organization hoisted the World Series trophy.
Unfortunately, said season came to an abrupt conclusion against the division-rival Boston Red Sox in the ALDS. Among the many losers in that series, New York’s starting pitchers failed on the game’s grandest of stages.
This has led to speculation that the big-market team will target a top-end pitcher in free agency. According to Fancred’s Jon Heyman, that will include Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Patrick Corbin.
“The Yankees are expected to target star lefthanded starting pitcher Patrick Corbin as a free agent this winter,” Heyman reported. “Yankees people say they haven’t met yet to discuss the winter, but Corbin’s been an expected target for a while.”
In no way should this be considered a surprise.
Corbin, 29, has been Arizona’s best starter over the past several seasons. This past year alone, the two-time All-Star pitched to an 11-7 record with a 3.15 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 33 starts. He also struck out 246 batters in 200 innings of work.
For his part, Corbin is a New York native and grew up a Yankees fan. He will certainly be interested in putting on those pinstripes.
Financially, the Yankees have been a bit more conservative with their payroll in recent seasons. Though, they did boast the sixth-highest payroll this past season and seemingly have money to spend on a top-end target.