Sunday, November 3, 2019

Top Starting Pitchers The Yankees Must Consider Signing

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 04:  Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets pitches in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 04, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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.

Could the New York Yankees pursue Stephen Strasburg this offseason?
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.

Hyun-Jin Ryu. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
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.

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.

Oct 15, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws a pitch during the first inning in game three of the 2019 ALCS playoff baseball series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
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.


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