The New York Yankees started out Friday with a bang. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi broke the news in the early hours of the morning that the bombers and star DJ LeMahieu were finalizing a deal to keep DJLM in the Bronx.
The Yankees fans have been starved for good news all winter. The offseason has moved tremendously slow with the Yankees making no moves of significance. However, they had been vocal that resigning LeMahieu was their first goal.
It took longer than many of us anticipated, however, at the end of the day, they got it done. With LeMahieu back, Brian Cashman is turning his focus towards the pitching. Specifically the starting rotation.
The figures on the LeMahieu deal have not come out yet, however, we know staying under the $210 million threshold is a priority. That said, the Yankees are expected to have very little wiggle room when it comes to pitching.
Fortunately for them, there is a pitcher that fits their budget and what they’re looking for. That pitcher is former two-time Cy Young award winner, Corey Kluber. Kluber recently pitched in a showcase that saw 25 teams show up to watch him pitch.
Will the Yankees sign Kluber?
I sent some messages out this morning trying to get an insider feel for the Kluber situation. I was told by a couple of different sources that the Yankees are expected to be one of the finalist for Corey Kluber.
As mentioned, it makes perfect sense for both sides. Kluber is very close with Yankees pitching coach, Matt Blake, and he lives in the North East. Kluber is also said to want to go to a team where he feels he has the chance to win and reestablish his value.
There would be no better place to do that than New York. Dan Federico reported yesterday that the expectation is that Kluber will seek a deal in the $6-8 million range. That will fit within the Yankees budget.
Signing Kluber would be a very low risk high reward type of signing for Brian Cashman. If he gets hurt, you didn’t pay much. However, if he returns to form, you’re getting an above average starter for pennies on the dollar. Definitely watch this situation this weekend. Could be a great weekend for Yankees fans.