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| Photo: Dylan Buell |
Zack Wheeler - 2019: 11-8 3.96 ERA 195 SO 195.1 IP
Wheeler was a part of serious
trade rumors for much of the season as several teams including the Yankees were vying
to acquire his services. Unfortunately, Cashman was unable to swing a deal with
the Mets because of the steep asking price and his unwillingness to part with
key prospects in the organization. Although there are concerns that he could be
exposed in the hitter friendly confines of Yankees Stadium, Wheeler can still
provide the rotation with a power arm and game longevity (averaged 6.2 innings
per start in 2019) that the Yankees are looking for in 2020.
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| Photo: Troy Toarmina USA Today Sport |
Stephen Strasburg - 2019: 18-6 3.32 ERA 251 SO 209 IP
The California born right
hander showed out in the postseason for the Major League champion Nationals
going 5-0 in 6 starts. Strasburg has opted out of the remining 4 years his
contract to pursue a bigger payday after taking home World Series MVP honors.
Although he's spent his entire career in the National League thus far, it is
fair to note that Strasburg has not had a season where his ERA went above 3.80
which is an impressive feat no matter how you look at it. The Yankees should make
a pass at him if he shows even the most remote interest in playing in the Big
Apple.
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| Photo: Ben Margot/AP |
Hyun-Jin Ryu - 2019: 14-5 2.32 ERA 163 SO 182.2 IP
Ryu had a banner campaign for
his sixth season in the majors proving once again that he is not going to fade
out like some thought he would after shoulder surgery sidelined him in 2016. He
twice posted a sub 1.00 ERA in a month (0.59 in May and 0.55 in July) and would
make a nice pairing with Tanaka and Paxton in the rotation in the team chooses
to look his way in the winter.
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| Photo: Kevin C Cox/Getty Images |
Dallas Keuchel - 2019 8-8 3.75 ERA 91 SO 112.2 IP
For at least a month Keuchel
appeared to be destined to sign with the Yankees after going unsigned past
spring training. However, Negotiations stalled when the Yankees refused to give
the extra $3 million that he was asking and thus the Atlanta Braves wound up
swooping in and signing the lefty away from New York. Now the they have another
shot at it, the team could certainly offer Keuchel a more lucrative contract to
attain his services. He hasn't quite been the same since his Cy Young season in
2015 as his WHIP has increased in each year after, but he can still provide the
Yankees with a stable arm in 2020.
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| Photo: Noah K Murray/USA Today |
Gerrit Cole - 2019 20-5 2.50 ERA 326 SO 212.1 IP
Cole is the hands down top
target for every contender in 2020. He put up stellar numbers for Houston this
season and was a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. He's everything you
could want in a starting pitcher in today’s league and would more than elevate
the Yankees staff into one of the best in the MLB. He will come with heavy
price tag as a Cy Young award should be added to his resume once the awards are
given out. Hopefully this will not deter Cashman from offering the dominant
righty the chance to play for his favorite childhood team.
