The New York Yankees have their best chance at making a World Series appearance in years, considering the talent they have in the batting order and consistency in the pitching rotation.
A shortened season should limit injuries to a degree, as 2019 saw the Yankees set records for most games missed by starting players. However, once the 2020 season comes to an end, general manager Brian Cashman has a tall list of things he has to do.
Among several position players that will have expiring contracts, the Yankees could lose for starting pitchers due to free agency and retirement.
Here are the New York Yankees’ pitchers that could move on:
1.) James Paxton
The Yankees signed Paxton to a one-year, $12.5 million deal this past off-season. The former Seattle Mariners played in 29 games for the Yankees last season, pitching 150.2 innings. He finished with a 3.82 ERA, 186 strikeouts, and 23 home runs allowed.
With manager Aaron Boone already naming Paxton their number two starter this season, you can see the value he brings to the Bronx. Surprisingly, Paxton has never won any awards, whether it be an All-Star appearance or appearing in Cy Young voting.
However, that doesn’t take away from his stellar production when healthy. He has never pitched over a 3.90 ERA and has only recorded a winning percentage of less than .500 twice in seven years in the MLB.
The Yankees expect more, though, which is why he has been thrust into a more strenuous position. Adding a quality lefty pitcher to the rotation is always a positive. He will be a big question for the Yankees come the end of the season.