The New York Yankees might have retained DJ LeMahieu on a six-year, $90 million deal and signed Corey Kluber to a one-year, $11 million deal, but they still have holes on the roster that need to be filled. Specifically, with their starting pitching rotation, the Yankees seem to be relying on Luis Severino, Domingo German, and Kluber returning from year-plus long absences from baseball.
Combined, the three starters have missed virtually five seasons of baseball over the past two years. If the Yankees feel confident with that reality, God bless them, but from a realistic point of you, that is a group they simply can’t rely on.
Best case scenario, they all pan out and end up solidifying the rotation for the 2021 season. The more likely scenario is that they miss time throughout the year due to flare-ups or inconsistencies. Considering that scenario, it only makes sense that general manager Brian Cashman continues to look for pitching support, whether it be in the starting rotation or the bullpen.
The Yankees will likely make another move soon:
The rumors haven’t stopped flying recently, as Cashman continues to search the market for potential trade options or free-agent supplements. Recently we saw Cincinnati Reds star Luis Castillo pop up in the rumor mill, but they were asking too much in return for his services (Gleyber Torres). More recently, Jameson Taillon from the Pittsburgh Pirates has been considered, and he could be a solid acquisition as a relief arm.
Cashman and the Yankees “are talking to everybody free agents and trades, starting pitching and bullpen,†the person said, via Brendan Kuty of NJ.com. “Talking to everybody on market. Nothing close.â€
When it comes to the Yankees, if there’s smoke, there’s likely fire. Cashman works quickly, scouring the market for any nibbles. Once he gets interest and a price point he can work with, he tends to act quickly to ensure other buyers don’t enter the fold. DJ’s contract was a bit different, as most thought he would be valued much more, but they managed to land him on a cost-efficient deal worth only $15 million per season. Most thought he could reach up to $25 million.