The New York Yankees are making it known that they are in the market for starting pitchers. After being a strength for New York for the majority of the season, the rotation has been shaky lately and they are bridging to an even shakier bullpen.
For that reason, the Yankees are really ramping up their pursuit of a starter. We’ve known for a while now that New York is interested in Reds’ ace Luis Castillo. Castillo completely shut the bombers down earlier this month.
Castillo is the top pitcher available on the market. Because of that, he comes with a very high premium. The Yankees would have to give up a sizable haul to get the starting pitcher that sits atop their wishlist.
However, he isn’t the only starter they are in on. In the past couple of days, we’ve learned of their interest in Pittsburg’s Jose Quintana. Quintana is having a solid year and would by far be the cheapest option in terms of quality starters that are available.
Today, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Yankees are in on another pitcher. It’s a pitcher that they pursued before the season started and they have re-entered those conversations as the deadline approaches.
Yankees “In” on Montas
The New York Yankees have engaged in conversations with the Oakland Athletics regarding starting pitcher Frankie Montas. Montas is 4-9 on the season, but his numbers are actually very good.
He’s pitching to a 3.18 ERA with a WHIP of 1.127. He’s struck out over 100 batters and he has a nice FIP of 3.36. Montas would be option 1B if I was to say how the Yankees are going about the pitching market.
The word out there is the Yankees are one of the three major players for superstar Juan Soto. If they are able to pull off a deal for Soto, you’re likely to see them pivot away from Castillo and look at Montas and Quintana. Montas might even be a stretch if they get Soto.
However, if Soto goes elsewhere and the Yanks get Andrew Benintendi for the outfield, all starters are on the table. The Yankees are going to acquire a starting pitcher before the deadline and I think they are making that known. The question is at this point, which starter?