The New York Yankees’ primary focus this offseason is to re-sign American League MVP Aaron Judge, who is also fielding some interest from his hometown San Francisco Giants.
But that isn’t the only thing on the team’s mind this offseason.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the team is checking in on some top starting pitchers.
Heyman reports that the Yankees are in on both Justin Verlander and Carlos Rodon.
He also noted that the Yankees aren’t aggressively pursuing Jacob deGrom, given that the right-hander seeks $40 million plus, and that the Yankees aren’t terribly optimistic about Verlander, though he does have a close relationship with Gerrit Cole from their time together in Houston.
Yankees are in on Rodon and Verlander (close Gerrit Cole relationship doesn’t hurt but NYY isn’t necessarily optimistic there). Not as much in on deGrom for what he seeks — $40M plus. Judge remains the main guy but seems to be room to add a big starter, too.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 2, 2022
Yanks Searching For Pitching
Based on what Heyman is reporting, it appears that if the Yankees are going to land one of the top starters, it will likely be Rodon.
Rodon posted a 2.88 ERA and won 14 games as the ace of the Giants.
He had signed a two-year, $44 million deal with the team last offseason that included an opt-out after year one, which Rodon obviously exercised.
With so much uncertainty surrounding Frankie Montas and Jameson Taillon unlikely to return, the Yankees could find themselves very much in play for Rodon.
A rotation that features Montas, Rodon, Cole, and Nestor Cortes would be quite difficult to topple for opposing teams.
They also have Domingo German who could fill in the fifth spot of the rotation.
Clarke Schmidt is another option.
With the Winter Meetings coming, activity may soon skyrocket.
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