TAMPA, Fla. – The New York Yankees are facing challenges in their quest to solidify their starting rotation for the upcoming season. Despite their efforts to acquire pitchers like Marcus Stroman, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Dylan Cease, and Corbin Burnes, the Yankees have struggled to meet the asking prices of agents and other teams. This has left them with a rotation that they believe is not strong enough to support their aging star players like Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge.
The Yankees were able to secure a two-year, $37 million contract with a vesting option for a third year for Marcus Stroman. While Stroman is considered a quality pitcher, the deal was seen as surprising and somewhat alarming due to the low price tag. In a market where free-agent starting pitchers’ prices have skyrocketed, Stroman’s contract fell well short of expectations. However, Stroman’s health and occasional individualistic behavior may have played a role in teams’ hesitation to offer him a more lucrative deal.
The Yankees’ decision to pursue Stroman comes with some irony, as General Manager Brian Cashman passed on the opportunity to acquire him during the 2019 trade deadline. At the time, Cashman did not believe Stroman would make a significant impact on the team. Now, Stroman finds himself entering his age-33 season and potentially serving as the Yankees’ No. 2 starter.
The Yankees’ struggles in acquiring starting pitching talent extend beyond Stroman. The team also faces the challenge of convincing Jordan Montgomery, who they previously traded, to return to their rotation. Additionally, the Yankees have been hesitant to meet the asking prices of other teams in regards to Dylan Cease and Corbin Burnes.
The Yankees’ difficulties in solidifying their rotation highlight a larger issue of their recent missteps in player acquisitions. Despite their willingness to spend money, the team has not always made wise decisions in free agency. This has led to missed opportunities in securing talented hitters and starting pitchers. With the prime years of players like Cole and Judge, the Yankees’ urgency to address their rotation is crucial.
While the offseason is not over, the Yankees must continue their pursuit of additional rotation help. They may need to explore other options in the bullpen and potentially upgrade other areas of their roster. The hope remains that prices for pitchers like Snell will fall, or other teams’ hesitations will create opportunities for the Yankees to make a trade.
In the end, the New York Yankees find themselves in a precarious position. As one of baseball’s most storied franchises, they must confront their recent missteps and address the pressing issue of their starting rotation. With key players like Cole and Judge in their primes, the Yankees cannot afford to settle for a rotation that is perceived as insufficient. The upcoming season will test their ability to make strategic decisions and acquire the talent necessary to contend.