New York Yankees Face Crucial Off-Season Decision, Pitching Crisis Mounts Amidst Intense Competition

Pitching is the need of the hour for the New York Yankees. During the 2023 season, it was difficult to find a bright spot in the bullpen outside of Gerrit Cole. In fact, he may have been their only good starting pitcher. Although Clarke Schmidt was a solid option as well, the team faces a pitching crisis as they stare down the barrel of a crucial off-season.

Although the Yankees have been active, they fell short in their pursuit of Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Now they have a massive decision to make and must fish well in the free agency waters.

The New York Yankees desperately need a starting pitcher 

Following an abysmal 2023 season, the Yankees needed to make serious off-season changes. Bronx Bombers GM Brian Cashman has gone about that, letting certain players go while also adding Juan Soto via trade. But they need a starting pitcher who can slot in behind Gerrit Cole and fulfill a second-starter role. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was their first choice, but the Dodgers snagged him with a historic deal that the Yankees were unwilling to match. 

Now with the Japanese ace off the board, the Bombers seem to be choosing between remaining free agents. Shota Imanaga and Jordan Montgomery seem to be strong candidates. But Cashman will have to move fast as competition builds in a somewhat dry pitching market. 

Both Imanaga and Montgomery are drawing interest from various teams and that may raise their price. Starting pitching will be crucial for the Yankees as they look to vastly improve in the 2024 season. Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes Jr. were both injured, and Rodon struggled during his time on the mound. It will be interesting to see how the Yankees move forward. 

Will the Yankees test the trade market? 

Although free agents will be a priority, the New York Yankees could also choose to test the trade market. Pitchers such as Corbin Burnes, Shane Bieber, and Dylan Cease are viable options. But this could cost them assets, which may not be a desirable situation, given the pitching depth they gave up for Juan Soto. Personally, I believe that Jordan Montgomery has what it takes to play in pinstripes once again after the team traded him in 2022. But Blake Snell, a name they haven’t been connected to much yet, is also a very intriguing option. 

Read More: Will Aaron Judge Take a Backseat To Pave the Way for Juan Soto After Yankees Prioritize Gerrit Cole Over Yoshinobu Yamamoto?

Now it’s all up to Brian Cashman and the New York Yankees top brass to make the crucial choice. Will they add a starting pitcher? If so, who do you think it will be?

Watch This Story: Yankees Secure A Special Gift As The Japanese Ace Makes His Way To Be A Free Agent