New Year has kicked in, and it’s high time for the New York Yankees to get some pitchers into the roster as soon as possible. Spring training is less than six weeks away, and the Bronx Bombers still have an incomplete five-man starting rotation for the regular season. If not now, then when?
Ever since the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes fell apart, the Yankees’ off-season plans have been in shambles. Despite sorting out a couple of fallback options, the team has yet to lock up a starting pitcher. Amid urgency and uncertainties, Kerry Miller of Bleacher Reports linked Miami Marlins hurler to Bombers in a rather bold trade exchange.
Yankees Urged To Trade Jesus Luzardo From Marlins To Resolve Pitching Woes!
As the MLB offseason unfolds, the New York Yankees find themselves in the midst of trade speculations. With the pitching rotation in shambles, the Bombers are being linked to Miami Marlins hurler Jesus Luzardo in a bold and risky trade deal. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently suggested that NYY opt for the trade. However, the reporter alerted that the Yanks do not have a wide pool of options to offer in the exchange deal. Thus, to land Luzardo, the team is likely going to have to offer a big piece. “If they don’t come out swinging with either Anthony Volpe, Jasson Dominguez, or top prospect Spencer Jones in the deal, it’s not gonna happen,” adds Miller.
Jesus Luzardo, a 26-year-old southpaw, has showcased glimpses of his high ceiling during his time with the Miami Marlins. He finished the 2023 season with a 3.58 ERA across 32 starts. In 2022 as well, the pitcher posted a 3.32 ERA but pitched only 18 starts. Regardless, Luzardo is an option worth considering for the New York Yankees. With a powerful arm, a diverse pitch repertoire, and the potential to develop into a top-tier starting pitcher, Luzardo has what it takes to ensure success in the Bronx. However, whether the youngster is worth the steep price or not is for the front office to decide. But with a lack of time and options, the franchise leadership needs to make swift decisions.
Yanks’ Fall Back Pitching Candidate’s Price Likely To Exceed $100 Million!
Once Yoshinobu Yamamoto ditched the New York Yankees to land with the LA Dodgers, the Bombers were linked to Shota Imanaga as a fallback option. Shota also transitioned into MLB alongside Yamamoto but has understandably failed to garner the same attention as the latter. However, it seems NYY might not win the Imanaga sweepstakes either. CBS Sports reported that Shota’s asking price is likely to exceed $100 million this off-season.
A lot of factors could have contributed to this steep rise. Firstly, the Yankees and Mets’ desperation might have encouraged Imanaga to up his stakes. Secondly, the shrinking market for starting pitchers is fuelling more desperation in MLB teams with incomplete starting rotation. However, it will be interesting to watch the Bombers’ stand on Imanaga’s new demand, given how they refused to entertain Yamamoto’s $25 million surge request.
