The New York Yankees are heading into the offseason with a sharp focus on strengthening their rotation. With the always-competitive AL East in mind, insiders suggest that New York might aim to bring in one of the top free-agent pitchers on the market.
Following the re-signing of their ace, Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees are reportedly setting their sights on one of the most sought-after pitchers on the market. If the pursuit is accomplished, the Bronx Bombers will have two CY Young pitchers in the rotation together for the 2025 MLB season.
Corbin Burnes Back On Yankees Wishlist!
The New York Yankees are entering this offseason with a clear mission: to bolster their pitching rotation and maintain their competitive edge in the AL East. MLB insider Jesse Yomtov of USA Today has hinted that former CY Young winner Corbin Burnes, who spent last season with the Baltimore Orioles, could soon don Yankee pinstripes. Burnes, who was a standout last season with a 15-9 record and a 2.92 ERA over 32 starts, is positioned as one of the top free agents available and ranks second on MLBTradeRumors’ free-agent list. Known for his durability and ability to miss bats, Burnes would immediately bring strength to any rotation he joined. For the Yankees, he could form a formidable one-two punch alongside Cole, giving them the reliable depth to contend against powerhouses within their division and beyond.
Additionally, signing Burnes from a division rival like the Orioles would strategically weaken Baltimore’s rotation, further benefiting New York. However, securing Burnes will not come cheap. According to MLBTradeRumors, Burnes is expected to command a seven-year deal valued at around $200 million. Hence, given Burnes’ appeal, the Yankees are likely to face competition from other clubs, including the Red Sox, Dodgers, Cubs, and Mets. But with the Yanks’ determination to enhance their rotation, the addition of Burnes could be the move that finally gives them a rotation with the consistency needed to pursue another championship run. By combining Cole’s strength with Burnes’ skills, the New York Yankees hope to build a dominant rotation that can take them deep into October. One way or another, Corbin Burnes’ free-agency will be an interesting storyline to follow for MLB fans as well as the Yankee loyalists this off-season.
Yanks Secure Gerrit Cole Despite Opt-Out Threat
After exercising his opt-out clause, Gerrit Cole will remain with the New York Yankees under the original terms of his nine-year, $324 million contract. Rather than pursuing free agency, Cole and the Yankees agreed to maintain their existing deal, which has $144 million left through 2028.
GMBrian Cashman highlighted the Yankees’ cautious approach in discussions with Cole and his agent, Scott Boras, explaining that while both sides were open to continuing the relationship, they were reluctant to alter the terms of the deal by adding an extra year. Ultimately, this agreement was reached just before the MLB’s Monday deadline, ensuring Cole remains in Bronx without any contract modifications.
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