With the 2024 year setting in, within the next six weeks, pitchers and catchers will report for spring training ahead of the 2024 MLB season. However, with spring training on the horizon, the New York Yankees do not have the pitching depth required for the impending season. The rotation, as well as the bullpen, are missing a couple of key pieces.
Speaking of rotation, the Yankees need a fifth starter. Yamamoto is history, and the team needs to move past that setback to lock in a potent starter. Besides, the Juan Soto trade had negative implications on the bullpen as the team lost Michael King, Brito, and Vasquez in the exchange offer. Thus, ahead of spring training, the Bronx Bombers must fix rotation and bullpen woes as soon as possible.
Yankees Remain In Dire Need Of Fifth Starter!
As the New York Yankees prepare for the upcoming MLB season, there are several pressing pitching issues that need urgent attention before the start of spring training. The success of any baseball team hinges on the effectiveness of its pitching staff, and the Bombers are no exception. First thing first, the Yanks must fill starting rotation holes. Currently, the team’s probable rotation consists of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, and Clake Schmidt. Thus, it’s finally time for Hal Steinbrenner to cash some money into free agency and pursue either Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell.
Since the free agency options are limited, the Yankees may turn to a trade approach. Targeting established starters or relievers with a track record of success can provide immediate upgrades and add experience to the pitching staff. Dylan Cease, Shane Bieber, and Corbin Burnes have been floated as potential trade candidates. Of course, each of the options mentioned above would fetch a steep price. Moreover, with the Yanks parting with significant roster depth to land Juan Soto, the franchise lacks options with respect to trade chips. Perhaps Gleyber Torres or a prospect make sense. Ultimately, nothing comes without a cost. For the sake of championship dreams, the Bombers are gonna have to take the plunge this off-season.
Bullpen Depth Remains In Shambles!
Besides the loopholes in the starting rotation, the New York Yankees are also lacking depth in the bullpen. While the team enjoyed a robust pen depth in the 2023 season, the front office used key pieces as trade chips this off-season. However, the franchise did add some backup options via waivers and lowly trades. But will that be enough to last for a 162-game stretch? Seems highly unlikely. Regardless, even if the team fails to acquire relief pitchers this off-season, they would back the farm system depth to step up on the occasion.
Having said that, the Yankees also have a space to fill in the coaching department. While the bench coach and hitting coach’s holes are filled, the team is still figuring out options for the assistant hitting coach’s role. Aaron Boone, the manager, earlier confirmed that Casey Dykes will serve as deputy to Rowson. But the team is still looking for a second assistant to hitting coach Rowson.