The probable starting pitching rotation of the New York Yankees for the upcoming MLB season consists of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, and Clarke Schmidt. While the fifth starter’s slot is empty, Rodon and Cortes’ participation is subject to fitness. Thus, as it stands, the Bronx Bombers are not yet ready to compete in the 2024 season.
Having said that, the Yankees have enough time to add reinforcements this off-season. Six weeks later, pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for spring training in Tampa. Thus, the franchise front office is expected to add a piece or two in the next six weeks. Speaking of options, the Yanks are still being floated as a top landing spot for a starting pitcher they once shunted via trade.
Jordan Montgomery Linked To Yankees In A Major Reunion Deal!
Former New York Yankees starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery won a World Championship with the Texas Rangers in 2023. To further add salt to the Yank’s wounds, Montgomery remained the Rangers’ leading postseason pitcher. For context, when the Bombers traded Montgomery back in 2022, they deemed him unfit for the postseason. Thus, now that Jordan has achieved enormous success elsewhere, NYY wants to pursue a reunion. As per rumors, the New York-based outfit remains keen on landing Montgomery this off-season. He is a free agent seeking a Carlos Rodon-type deal of $162 million for a period of six years.
Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com says that the Yankees have an opportunity to reverse its past mistake by landing Jordan Montgomery this off-season. However, accomplishing a reunion is easier said than done. As per Randy Miller of NJ Media, the Texas Rangers remain the pitcher’s first choice over the return with the Yanks. He feels at home in Texas and wants to add further to the franchise’s success. Of course, Montgomery’s resentment seems understandable. While NYY considered him unfit, they perhaps could have worked on him instead of showing him exit doors. Moreover, with Rangers, he feels welcomed and wanted. Additionally, no one would want to exit a champion team to go back to the franchise in crisis. Thus, owing to the bad blood between the two parties, a reunion this off-season seems highly unlikely.
Yanks To Drop Out Of Shota Imanaga’s Pursuit!
Besides Jordan Montgomery, the New York Yankees were named leading contenders in Shota Imanaga’s pursuit. The Japanese ace leaped into MLB this off-season, with the negotiation window closing in. Thus, Imanaga has sped up his process, and rumors have it that Yanks are no longer interested. According to Jon Heyman, Bronx Bombers see him as a “flyball pitcher who wouldn’t be a fit for Yankee Stadium.”
Shota Imanaga posted a 2.80 ERA season with his NPB team last season. He also struck out 132 batters across 148 innings in 22 appearances. Additionally, the Japanese hurler is a left-handed thrower, which brings much-needed balance to the Yankees’ pitching depth. However, the flyball concern is something the franchise leadership cannot look past. Moreover, Imanaga is now asking for a $100 million offer, which will further discourage the Yanks from pursuing the Japanese ace.