The New York Yankees’ off-season focus on youth and durability has seen successful outfield acquisitions in Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo. However, their pursuit of pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto ended with a hefty deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers, leaving the Yankees seeking alternatives for their rotation.
General Manager Brian Cashman, aiming for younger and more durable pitchers, faces challenges after missing out on Yamamoto. With key losses like Michael King, Frankie Montas, Luis Severino, and Domingo German, the Yankees are in desperate need of bolstering their rotation.
Options are dwindling as Montas signs with the Cincinnati Reds, leaving the Yankees eyeing Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell. MLB insider Kiley McDaniel suggests that neither fits the Yankees’ ideal profile. Snell carries risks comparable to Carlos Rodon, while Montgomery, though less expensive, lacks the desired upside.
Market conditions force the Yankees to consider paying a premium for these options, contrary to Cashman’s strategy. Both Montgomery and Snell, aged 31, present long-term concerns, especially after the previous signing of Carlos Rodan above 30.
Snell, with his history of inconsistencies and injuries, poses a greater risk than Montgomery. Despite an anomalous 180 innings in the past season, he remains an uncertainty, making Cashman hesitant to take the gamble.
The Yankees now face the challenge of revamping their rotation creatively, potentially through trades for players with expiring contracts or waiting until the summer trade deadline. The onus is on the younger prospects like Clarke Schmidt, Will Warren, and potentially Hampton to step up and fill the void in the team’s pitching lineup.