The New York Yankees’ search for a starting pitcher before the trade deadline tomorrow continues. Tanner Roark from the Cincinnati Reds is another option on the trade market that could give the Yankees what they are looking for. However, the Yankees are not the only team looking into Roark. The Atlanta Braves and Oakland Athletics join the Yankees’ interest in Roark, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Roark is credited to a 3.95 ERA this season with a 6-6 record. In his seven years in the major leagues, Roark holds a career 3.63 ERA and finished 10th in Cy Young Award voting in 2016 (Baseball Reference).
Roark is a crafty right-hander with an arsenal of pitches. He throws a fastball in the low 90s but is also armed with a sinker, slider, changeup, and curveball. He is a strikeout kind of pitcher, where he’s fanned 106 players in 107 innings pitched this season. Roark also consistently goes the distance, throwing at least 5 innings in most games. With the Yankees dominant bullpen, that could be dangerous to opposing offenses.
The right-hander is 32 years old and is currently signed to a 1-year, $10 million deal (Spotrac). He will be eligible for free-agency following this season.
Fits with the Yankees?
I believe Roark could be a good fit with the Yankees. His ability to go the distance with a start is something the Yankees need – especially in October. His arsenal of pitches allows him to keep hitters guessing and off-balance which will fit in with the Yankees strong defense. However the Yankees have said they are not interested in a short-term deal. Roark’s free agency following the 2019 season may raise some flags.