The 2023 season exposed vulnerabilities in the New York Yankees’ starting pitching, with injuries and inconsistent performances hampering the effectiveness of the rotation. With the team’s aspirations of championship contention, there is a growing consensus among fans and experts that addressing the starting pitching is paramount for success.
Having said that, the Yankees have historically utilized free agency to fortify their roster. However, this off-season has remained a little different than the others. Surprisingly, the franchise has yet to spend a dollar on free agents so far. But how long can they go without seeking pitching reinforcements? Is free agency the only resort?
Yankees’ Free Agency Options To Bolster Pitching Depth Minimal!
As the New York Yankees gear up for the upcoming MLB season, there’s a palpable sense of urgency to address the concerns surrounding their starting rotation. The question looming over the organization and its fervent fanbase is whether the team will turn to free agency to bolster their starting pitching. However, the pursuit is easier said than done. It’s owing to the lack of options in the free agent market. So far, the only free-agent pitchers worth the Yank’s attention are Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell. While Montgomery won a championship with the Texas Rangers this year, Snell won his second CY Young Award for exceptional pitching figures. However, Montgomery makes more sense than Snell for Yanks owing to the former’s experience in the Bronx.
Besides these two, there aren’t many options available with respect to free agency for the New York Yankees. Shota Imanaga, another Japanese hurler, transitioned into MLB this year. His numbers in NPB have remained decent. But he definitely cannot replace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Japanese phenomenon Yamamoto remained the franchise’s top choice until the LA Dodgers foiled Hal Steinbrenner’s plans. Overall, as the offseason progresses, the Yanks’ fanbase will be closely monitoring any news and updates regarding potential free-agent acquisitions for the starting rotation. The excitement and speculation surrounding this critical aspect of the team’s offseason plans only add to the anticipation for the upcoming season. The decision will hinge on a complex interplay of financial considerations, player development priorities, and the team’s commitment to championship contention.
After Yamamoto, Yanks Lose Another Favourite Free Agent!
The Yankees had only recovered from the failed pursuit of Yoshinobu Yamamoto when another setback hit them earlier this week. Starting pitcher Frankie Montas agreed to a one-year $16 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds. The Yanks traded Montas in 2022 from the Oakland Athletics. But the pitcher could barely stay healthy during his two-year stint. A shoulder injury ended his 2022 season prematurely.
On the other hand, the same injury relapsed weeks ahead of the 2023 season opening day, for which Frankie Montas had to opt for surgery. While he was ruled out for the season, Montas made a miraculous relief appearance during the Yankees’ final series of the regular season. Nonetheless, with Montas signing with the Reds, the Yanks are now one more option down with respect to free agency pitching reinforcements.
