After losing out in the ALCS in 2021 against Houston Astros, the New York Yankees made a life mission to build a strong offense in the upcoming season. Hence, they focused on acquiring pitchers and defenders in the free-agent market. The franchise did successfully implement the plan when it signed Carlos Rodon for a six-year deal. On top of that, the Yanks handed out one-year deals to a few arbitration-eligible players.
However, the Yankees are down with the first blow of the season ever before its commencement. Their starting pitcher, Frankie Montas‘ shoulder injury has resurfaced and that will rule him out for at least the first month of the 2023 MLB season. Hence, the Bombers are down one pitcher just ahead of the spring training. They do have a couple of top young prospects sitting on the bench. However, the whole situation could have been avoided had the Yanks stayed vigilant last summer.
Yankees Chose Frankie Montas Over Luis Castillo, The Decision Now Backfires
Last summer, the Yankees launched a manhunt for a starting pitcher. Their first choice remained Luis Castillo as he was the best pitcher available in the market. Hence, the Bombers initiated talks with Cincinnati Reds for a trade. However, the Yankees messed up here as they put forth Jasson Dominguez in the exchange proposal whereas the Reds opted for Anthony Volpe. The Yankees refused to give up Anthony as he was a part of the club’s future plans and the deal was off.
As a result, the Bombers had to settle with Frankie Montas who further had a terrible 2022 season wearing the pinstripes. After just 8 games, the pitcher injured his shoulder and remained on the bench for almost the entire season. And now, that same injury has apparently resurfaced and Montas will sit out for the opening day. This also means that just a couple of weeks ahead of the spring training, the Yanks front office will have to look out for replacements.
Clarke Schmidt and Domingo Germán Front Runner To Replace Montas
The Yankees have lost Luis Castillo as the latter has moved to Mariners. Moreover, with Montas being injured, the front office looks for replacements. FYI, Aaron Boone earlier confirmed Frankie’s position in the starting rotation. Furthermore, Clarke Schmidt and Domingo Germán are the two front-runners for the post. Domingo edge past Clarke in experience as he has 70 career starts with 4.52 ERAs over Clarke’s five starts, 4.95 ERAs. Hence, Domingo makes wins this battle and opens for the Yankees in the 2023 MLB season.
Meanwhile, the Bombers’ pitching rotation this season looks strong. They have found a perfect anchor for Gerrit Cole to release his burden. Carlos Rodon signed with the Yankees in a massive six-year deal worth $162 million. The plan to build an unbreakable offense has worked so far barring a few concerns. Along with this, the left field is wide open after Andrew Benintendi’s departure. Moreover, the Yanks are looking at Pirates with hopes to somehow land Bryan Reynolds in a trade.
