The New York Yankees remain one of the most powerful franchises in MLB when it comes to financial muscle.
They proved it this week, after spending $360 million to retain star outfielder and AL MVP Aaron Judge.
One might think they would be done for the offseason (or at least in free agency) but reports indicate that’s not true.
In fact, they are looking for a high-profile pitcher, the best one remaining: Carlos Rodon.
The former San Francisco Giants ace would be a fit at the top of the Yankees’ rotation, now that they lost Jameson Taillon to free agency.
The Yankees Have Been Following Rodon For A Long Time
Their interest in Rodon is not new, according to Yankees insider Jack Curry.
“The Yankees tried to acquire Rodon before the trade deadline, but talks with the Giants never gained much traction. So they’ve had interest in him for a while. In addition to his talent and swing & miss stuff, Yankees like his toughness. They see him as a great fit in NY market,” he tweeted.
The Yankees tried to acquire Rodon before the trade deadline, but talks with the Giants never gained much traction. So they've had interest in him for a while. In addition to his talent and swing & miss stuff, Yankees like his toughness. They see him as a great fit in NY market.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) December 8, 2022
The interest appears to be mutual, but it remains to be seen if the Yankees will hand out another large contract after spending $360 million on Judge.
Rodon is expected to command a salary around $30 million per season on a long-term deal.
He had to “settle” for a two-year pact with an opt out before the 2022 campaign, and after posting a 2.88 ERA in 178 innings (with 237 strikeouts), he will get to pick a deal of his liking this time.
If the Yankees sign Rodon, their rotation could be the best in the bigs, with Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes Jr., Luis Severino, and Frankie Montas.
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