Once again, there are high expectations for the New York Yankees in free agency. Fans want the team to sign both Stephen Strasburg and Gerrit Cole. However, the Yankees only really need to sign one of them. Zack Wheeler and Madison Bumgarner could be potential options of the team can’t sign Strasburg or Cole.
Why Only One?
There are two main factors why the Yankees should only sign one starting pitcher, and they are roster space and money.
The Yankees have four definitive starters in James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, Luis Severino, and JA Happ. Jordan Montgomery could come into play, but he will likely become the long reliever. I guess you could throw Domingo German into the mix, but it’s unclear if and when he will play again due to his suspension for domestic abuse.
Since a team only needs five starters, you keep the four listed above and sign Cole or Strasburg. It doesn’t matter to me on which they sign, since both are righties in the prime of their career. Montgomery could be the “sixth starter” when there are injuries, and be the long reliever otherwise. The team could look into trading Domingo German if and when he is reinstated.
The other factor is the cost.
If the Yankees signed Cole and Strasburg, they would have little to no money left and would risk exceeding into the luxury tax to fulfill other needs.
The team could pursue Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas in free agency, along with a few middle relievers. The team wants to fill all needs and have some money left over for in-season signings and for emergencies.
It would be better off if the yankees only signed one starting pitcher to save money and to continue to use current resources.