It is clear that New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman understands the need for pitching this off-season. The Yankees have struggled with inconsistencies in the bullpen and a lack of starting talent in the rotation the past few years, and after adding Corey Kluber on a one year, $11 million deal, Cashman is still on the hunt for more talent.
They were recently rumored to be interested in Cincinnati Reds star Luis Castillo, but negotiations fell through when Cincinnati demanded Gleyber Torres as a part of the deal. Of course, Cashman was resistant to the idea, as Torres represents a starter in the infield for the long term with unrealized potential.
However, the Yankees are no stranger to the rumor mill, and they will likely be linked to multiple big names throughout the off-season. While retaining DJ LeMahieu and signing Kluber were two significant moves over the past week, Cashman has continued to sign a bevy of minor league deals.
The Yankees signed Asher Wojciechowski to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training this past week. He will be given a 750K salary if he ends up earning playing time with the top team. At 32 years old, he logged a 6.82 ERA and 1.62 WHIP over seven starts and 37 innings with the Baltimore Orioles in 2020. I wouldn’t expect much from the career relief arm, but he is a player they can fill a role if needed.
The Yankees have also been linked to Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen arm Jameson Taillon. Taillon spent the 2019 season with Pittsburgh, earning a 4.10 ERA with an impressive 50% ground-ball rate. At just 29 years old, Taillon is a 6-foot-5, 230-pound pitcher and a former first round pick back in 2010. He primarily utilizes a fastball, singer, slider, and curveball.
Heard today from a couple sources that the Pirates and Yankees have had conversations involving Jameson Taillon and Josh Bell. Unsure on seriousness or scope, but it’s an interesting match.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) December 9, 2020
I’m not surprised the Yankees have targeted him as a potential trade option, considering his age and fantastic array of pitches. With the right coaching, he could end up being a dominant relief pitcher. However, he likely won’t come cheap, but the Yankees have a few trade pieces they can work with if need be.