Top Starting Pitchers The Yankees Must Consider Signing

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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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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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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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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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.

Yankees Offseason Shopping List

Starting Pitcher

Potential Targets:

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Patrick Corbin

While some say that he isn't a number one quality pitcher, Corbin could be just the right fit for the Yankees whom find themselves in need of a steady left hander in the rotation. He did put up decent numbers this past season (11-7 3.15 ERA in 200 innings) for an underachieving Diamondbacks team, and it does help that he has always wanted to return home and play for his favorite team growing up. Look for Cashman to crank up his pursuit of Corbin in the upcoming weeks.

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J.A. Happ

Outside of his poor performance in the division series, Happ proved to be a great deadline pickup for the Yankees as he posted a 7-0 record with a 2.69 ERA in 11 starts. With CC Sabathia returning, some may say that it wouldn't make sense to bring another veteran lefty into the fold when you could find younger option. Still, the benefits of having a skilled pitcher around could pay some decent dividends in a long season.

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Dallas Keuchel

The former pitching nemesis of the Yankees hasn't been quite as strong since his Cy Young campaign in 2015, but he still has a lot to offer as a starter. Keuchel proved to be a healthy workhorse this season, making all 34 of his starts which was a big question mark for him coming into the season. The Yankees could look to add him should the opportunity present itself.

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Nathan Eovaldi

Eovaldi was certainly a big surprise in 2018 as he helped lead the rival Red Sox to a World Series title. He spent two seasons with the Yankees before being shut down and subsequently released after tearing his UCL in August 2016. After missing all of 2017, it appears the 28-year-old is looking stronger than ever and it certainly warrant a second look from the Pinstripes, even if it will probably come at a steeper price.

Shortstop

Potential Targets:

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Manny Machado

The likely top free agent target of the 2018 offseason is looking for a record-breaking contract and is drawing interest from teams all around the league. At just 26 years old it would make sense for the Yankees to give him the chance to patrol the hallowed position for a decade of more. However, the presence of fan favorite Didi Gregorious (despite his recent elbow surgery) coupled with Machado's admitted lack of hustle at times could put the Yankees off. Is the team willing to invest $200-$300 million in a player like Machado? Perhaps, but only time will tell.

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Jose Iglesias

If the Yankees are worried about Gregorious's long term health but don't want to break the bank on a quality fill in player, Iglesias would fit that role well. He's been very sure-handed in his career and while he may not provide the pop Didi does, he still had the ability to swing a steady bat

Outfield

Potential Targets:

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Andrew McCutchen

McCutchen spent the latter part of 2018 with the Yankees after being acquired at the deadline from San Francisco. Cashman has said that he would love to bring him back "for a reasonable price" if possible. If the 9-year veteran is willing to return to New York in 2019, it's surely worth a shot.

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Adam Jones

Brett Gardner will likely be in a platoon role, so it makes sense for the Yankees to be in the market for an everyday player whom proved he can still put up good numbers (.281 15 HR 65 RBI this season) and give stability to their lineup without totally breaking the bank.

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Bryce Harper

As the biggest name (other than Machado) to hit free agency this offseason, Harper will certainly have the attention of nearly every team in the majors. Adding him would make an already powerful lineup even more potent. The big question for the Bombers is if they’re willing to shell out big money for player like Harper, given the clubs recent history of giving contracts to young stars before (i.e. Alex Rodriguez), The Yankees could air on the side of caution before opening negotiations with the 26-year-old phenom. Then again, they could decide to take the aggressive approach and embark on the creation of the most star studded and expensive outfield in modern baseball history.