New York Yankees will likely pursue starting pitcher Gerrit Cole in free agency

The downfall of the New York Yankees this postseason could be their starting pitching. Fortunately, they gained back ace, Luis Severino just several weeks ago after missing a majority of the year with shoulder issues. His return will surely help the rotation and give them a much-needed boost for the playoffs. However, they have struggled this season as a unit at times.

The decision to extend J.A. Happ now seems like a bad one considering the options that were available on the market. Patrick Corbin was heavily linked to the Yankees before signing on with the Washington Nationals. He has a collective 3.05 ERA and would have led the team in overall efficiency and productivity this season.

The Yankees still managed to crawl their way to a 102-56 record despite a plethora of injuries and inconsistencies across the team.

The New York Yankees must sure up the starting rotation:

Next off-season provides an opportunity for the Yankees to shore up there starting rotation. Astros co-ace Gerrit Cole is a very intriguing option that general manager Brian Cashman will undoubtedly consider.

Cole earned $13.5 million via arbitration this season, and he owns a 19-5 record with a 2.5 to ERA in 32 starts this year for Houston. He has only walked 46 batters in 207 1/3 innings.

Adding a player of Cole’s quality to the Yankees rotation would make them one of the most feared in the league. Imagine this — Cole, Severino, Tanaka, Paxton, Happ.

While injuries will arise because that is simply what happens to the Yankees, this rotation would be feared and intimidating for any opposing team. During the 2017-18 season, the Yankees were interested in Cole and were engaged with the Pittsburgh Pirates in a potential trade, but they were unwilling to surrender third baseman Miguel Andujar in a deal. This time around, I imagine they will be more insistent on his services.