The New York Yankees 2021 rotation is seemingly falling into place

New York Yankees, Domingo German
Mar 5, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German (55) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

With just two weeks until Opening Day, the New York Yankees starting rotation is seemingly falling into place. Five pitchers have stood out from the rest, and we have a very clear picture as to who will become the starters. Here’s what the 2021 New York Yankees rotation seems to be as Spring Training is winding down.

Gerrit Cole

You don’t need any Spring Training stats to show that Gerrit Cole deserves to be the Opening Day starter for the New York Yankees. The first-year Yankee had a 2.84 ERA last season in 12 starts with the team and is arguably the best pitcher in the American League.

Corey Kluber

The Yankees took a flyer on Corey Kluber this off-season, signing the two-time Cy Young Award winner to a one-year, $11 million deal. He’s coming off two consecutive injury-plagued seasons and needs time to get built back up. So far, Kluber has made two Spring Training starts and has given up two runs over six innings.

Jameson Taillon

Much like Kluber, the Yankees took a flyer on Jameson Taillon. He’s overcoming his second Tommy John surgery, and also needs time to get built back up. Taillon has looked incredibly strong this spring, pitching 5.2 scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and a 1.41 WHIP. If he can stay healthy, Taillon can be very effective in the rotation.

Domingo German

Coming off a suspension that sidelined him for the entire 2020 season, Domingo German has pitched lights out this spring. His status with the team was unknown coming into camp, but he’s seemingly regaining the trust of his teammates and pitching well. In nine innings, German hasn’t allowed a run and has punched out 13 with a 0.67 WHIP. German pitched very well in 2019, and it seems as if he can continue that in 2021.

Jordan Montgomery

Jordan Montgomery, despite being the only lefty in the mix, has had to work his way into the Yankees’ rotation. He’s done extremely well in Spring Training thus far, giving up just one run over ten innings. In Wednesday’s victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, Montgomery pitched five no-hit innings, all but securing his spot in the rotation.

As Spring Training is coming to a close, the Yankee starting rotation is all but decided.