New York Yankees’ Crucial Pitching Search Hits Roadblock, Top Options Dwindle as Opening Day Nears

Sirens are blazing over the Bronx and they’re signaling trouble for the New York Yankees. It seems every day is a roller coaster for the Yankee Nation. Their hopes get up and then reality strikes – only this time, it’s starting to hurt. Gerrit Cole’s absence made it seem like Blake Snell’s arrival was imminent and the team did talk to him. But he went elsewhere. With their biggest target gone, the Yankees are left scrambling for options in a fast-dwindling market. The issue?

The Bronx Bombers do not have the necessary flexibility to sign an expensive free agent. With the team already over the dreaded $297 million threshold, any deal will cost them a 110% tax. For a team that’s looking to re-sign Juan Soto next season, a cost so high could prove to be a travesty. However, even if they were willing to spend money, the challenges are still endless in this race towards the Opening Day.

Why the New York Yankees have found themselves at a difficult crossroads

According to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees and Snell were in discussions till a few days ago. The two were trying to find common ground but the 110% tax for the Pinstripes made things difficult. With a short-term deal being undesirable for the Bronx Bombers, Snell signed a $62 million deal with the Giants. That leaves Jordan Montgomery in the market but even there – the chances are slim.

As Heyman points out, the Yankees are “even less confident Jordan Montgomery, the top remaining free agent, is interested in returning to The Bronx.” Monty’s links with the Texas Rangers and the Boston Red Sox are far stronger. That leaves some less expensive options in the market.

The likes of Michael Lorenzen and Mike Clevinger are still in the market. However, they aren’t the aces that the Yankees are looking for. The team did try to start trade talks with the Miami Marlins for Jesus Luzardo but they couldn’t get any traction in those talks. That has made things difficult for the Pinstripes.

Moreover, the injury of Gerrit Cole has turned their pitching staff on its head. But the market still has one player. Can the Yankees go for him?

Could Trevor Bauer be the savior for the Pinstripes?

Trevor Bauer has returned to major league after serving the ban. The former Cy Young winner is reportedly ready to accept a deal with minimum salary (plus incentives) to return to the ballpark. The Yankees can potentially go after him if all the cards fall in place. However, there’s a large obstacle that could stop this connection.

Gerrit Cole and Bauer were teammates at UCLA and reportedly didn’t get along. Could that be the reason why the Yankees haven’t shown any interest in Bauer till now? Still, it cannot be denied that Cole’s absence has dented the Bombers’ playoff chances. For a team in a win-now mode – taking hits like these doesn’t paint a good picture. Could The Bronx be in trouble?

Read more: Yankees’ Margin for Error in 2024 Shrinks Dramatically Without Ace Gerrit Cole