The New York Yankees dealt with significant injuries last season, a trend that is becoming normal. The starting pitching rotation went through plenty of transitions and changes, as Luis Severino suffered multiple setbacks in his return, Domingo German missed time, Corey Kluber sustained a shoulder injury keeping him out for several months, and Jameson Taillon dealt with multiple injuries as well.
With the exception of Kluber, who’s a free agent, Severino, German, and Taillon will all be healthy for the start of the 2022 regular season.
Taillon suffered an ankle injury late in the season, tearing a ligament that kept him out for the last few games. The starter indicated that the ankle is feeling great, and he’s ready to begin his rehabilitation. General manager Brian Cashman indicated that the injury to Taillon would take about five months to recover from, so enough time for him to return to full health before the start of the new season.
“So excited that this ankle is fixed! Feeling amazed. Ready dominate the rehab/recovery process and come back even stronger (like I’ve done every time).â€
The Yankees will likely be active in the free-agent market over the winter, and starting pitching will be another priority for them. However, shortstop remains a major point of emphasis after Gleyber Torres was forced to move back to second base due to poor defensive play.
The catalyst behind their search is young prospect Anthony Volpe, who the team expects to take over in the coming years. So, whatever free agent option they end up signing, must have the capability to move to third base.
Volpe is considered a generational prospect, hitting 27 homers and 86 RBIs over 412 at-bats this past season. He recorded a .294 average and 1.027 OPS.
If Anthony develops into the player the Yankees know he can be, they will have a long-term solution at shortstop and a quality third baseman on a long-term contract to hold down the infield.