This offseason, the New York Yankees’ mantra was to get younger and more durable.
They accomplished this in the outfield by signing Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo as starters. Both players have played at least 140 games in three consecutive seasons, with Soto playing all 162 games this season.
General manager Brian Cashman was also looking for a pitcher that fit that type, and he was targeting Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who had tossed at least 170 innings for the Orix Buffaloes over the previous three years. Yamamoto, as we now know, signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, effectively ending the Yankees’ pursuit.
After dealing Michael King and losing Frankie Montas, Luis Severino, and Domingo German this offseason, the team is attempting to reassemble the puzzle and add additional quality to the rotation. Montas agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Reds on a one-year, $16 million contract on Saturday, removing one key free-agent option from the market.
The Yankees Have Two Options Left, But They’re Older and Expensive
According to MLB insider, the top two remaining options are Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell, although the Yankees are likely out of the hunt for the NL Cy Young award winner.
“I don’t think the top free agent options left fit what the Yankees need: Blake Snell has way too much [Carlos] Rodon-type risk to him, Jordan Montgomery will cost about what Rodon did last offseason and offer less upside while also not being the type of pitcher the Yankees have targeted (i.e., younger or with better raw stuff),” Kiley McDaniel of ESPN wrote. “After those two, the remaining free agent starters are mid-rotation types and New York needs more impact than that.”
Given the current state of the market, the Yankees will have to pay top price for either starter, which may not be appropriate for Cashman’s goals. Montgomery and Snell are both 31 years old, which means that a long-term agreement would put them at the tail end of their peak, which may result in major regression. The Yankees previously signed Carlos Rodan to a six-year, $162 million contract last offseason, making it improbable that they will spend that much money on another player over the age of 30.
Having said that, Snell poses a lot more risk than Montgomery due to his inconsistencies and injuries throughout the years. Snell tossed 180 innings for the San Diego Padres this season, which was an aberration after pitching fewer than 130 innings over the previous four years. Of course, they would be counting on his upside and running back having an exceptional season, but that is a major risk that Cashman is unlikely to take.
The Yankees’ offense will have to get creative with the rotation, possibly trading for a player on an expiring contract or waiting until the trade deadline next summer. One thing is certain: the squad requires multiple young players to step up, namely Clarke Schmidt, Will Warren, and possibly Hampton.
