One or two moves during the upcoming off-season won’t do the job for the New York Yankees. To salvage a disastrous season like 2023, the team will be required to shuffle the entire lineup. Having said that, the off-season will begin soon, and it’s the perfect time for Yanks to start making a list of targets.
While offensive reinforcements will certainly top the Yankee’s priority list, it’s important for the front office to seek help in the pitching department as well. They need a strong starter as well as a flamethrower in the bullpen to form a balanced lineup. Meanwhile, an ex-Cardinals reliever recently emerged as a pitcher of interest for the Bronx Bombers.
Yankees Listed Top Tier Suitor For Reliever Jordan Hicks!
Jordan Hicks, known for his incredible fastball velocity, has consistently reached triple digits this year. After prolonged injury concerns, Hicks finally found his mojo back in 2023. He began the season with the St.Louis Cardinal before being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline. Despite the scuffle, Hicks displayed no signs of slowing down. He posted a 2.63 ERA and four saves across 25 appearances for the Blue Jays. As far as the season is concerned, Jordan finished the year with a 3.29 ERA and 81 strikeouts across 66 appearances, including 12 saves. The pitcher’s contract ended in 2023, and he will enter the free-agent market in 2024.
Meanwhile, Jim Bowden of the Athletic listed Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Blue Jays, Yankees, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Dodgers as potential suitors for Jordan Hicks. Bowden predicted the pitcher’s market value at $30 million for a span of three years. Hicks’s closing potential is an exciting prospect for the Yanks. They have not had the luxury of a designated closer for a long while. Having said that, while Hicks’s potential is undeniable, there is an inherent level of risk associated with his injury history. The front office would need to carefully assess his medical history and readiness to contribute. Ultimately, having a young arm like Jordan Hicks would only help the Bronx Bombers in the long run. The injury concern is something both parties have to manage to attain success.
Yanks’ Catchers Land On Trading Block As Off-Season Inches Closer!
The 2023 season debacle is forcing the New York Yankees to make bold moves. Andy Martino of SNY recently reported that the Bronx Bombers could put the entire catching depth on the trade block. Jose Trevino, Austin Wells, Kyle Higashioka, and Ben Rortvedt could face the heat this off-season. However, Martino clarified that Higashioka and Rortvedt are most likely to lose a roster spot as their contributions have been mediocre in 2023.
Kyle Higashioka is an arbitration-eligible player, whereas Ben Rortvedt played his last option year in 2023. Both catchers need a viable contract to continue their stay in the Bronx. However, considering the lack of offensive lackluster on the plate, the Yankees are mulling to part ways. Moving forward in 2024, the team not only needs strong backstops but also catchers who could make an impact on the plate with the bat.
