The Bronx might be buzzing with baseball’s return, but New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman is playing it cool. Fresh off snagging ace Marcus Stroman, Cashman took a virtual victory lap with reporters. His message was clear: the Yankees are primed, but the tinkering isn’t done.
While Stroman fills the void left by the “what-if” of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Cashman emphasizes the team’s constant evolution. “We have a very strong team,” he said, “but we always look to improve upon it.” Translation? The starting rotation, though bolstered by Stroman, isn’t set in stone. “If everything goes right,” Cashman admitted, “Which is something you don’t want to count on and lay back counting on. We will constantly continue to look and tinker if possible.”
Is New York Yankees’ rotation open for business? Maybe!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
So, does that mean Gerrit Cole and company are getting a new teammate? The Athletic says maybe—maybe not! Cashman plays coy, refusing to single out the bullpen or any other area as a potential target. Last year’s offensive slump still stings. “We’ve jump-started a lot of areas, especially the offense,” Cashman declares. “The players that were here are very hungry, had a bad taste in their mouth from last year’s experience, and nobody wants to have that experience again.”
Cashman, as expected and understandably, talking around whether the team is still targeting help in the rotation or the bullpen. Says the club is looking to improve in all areas. #Yankees
— Brendan Kuty 🧟♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) January 18, 2024
Speaking of hunger, young gun Clarke Schmidt is licking his chops for the fifth starter slot. His 2023 breakout earned him Cashman’s praise: “He pitched his tail off. I think he’s earned that opportunity.” But, cautionary as always, the GM pointed out that injuries happen, and that is why the team pushes the young guys while keeping other options open.
Finally, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa gone, the utility spot is up for grabs. Cashman acknowledges the “internal candidates,” but the door’s wide open for external solutions too. Free agency, trades: “I wouldn’t rule out opportunities that may exist,” he said—as long as the price is right. With the new season looming, the New York Yankees’ rotation remains a kaleidoscope of talent, veterans, and questions begging to be answered. Buckle up, because this lineup analysis is a thrill ride through the Bronx’s starting dive.
Watch this story:- Ranking The Top 5 Best Lineups In Baseball
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dissecting the Bombers’ roster puzzle, pitch by pitch
For their rotational roulette, the New York Yankees have Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón acing the top two spots, but health concerns linger. The door’s still ajar for Blake Snell, but his price tag might be the curveball the Yankees choose not to swing at. Jumping on to their bullpen bravado, this unit boasts Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loaisiga, and Tommy Kahnle—firepower with a side of “if healthy.” Scott Effross could prove to be the missing piece, returning from surgery. Adding another southpaw like Wandy Peralta would be prudent, and Cashman’s on the hunt.
Top prospects like Luke Weaver and Will Warren are breathing down Schmidt’s neck for a shuffle in the fifth starter placement, while Oswaldo Cabrera’s versatility has him leading the pack in a utility showdown. He plays a mean five positions and swings from both sides of the plate—a manager’s dream. Former top prospect Oswald Peraza could be a dark horse, but The Athletic suggests he might benefit from consistent minor-league reps.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read More: MLB Rumors: New York Yankees Target Bullpen Pitchers, Top Options Emerge
It looks like the New York Yankees are stacked, but questions remain. Can their aces stay healthy? Will the bullpen stay strong? Cashman’s keeping the answers close, but to top it all off, the Bronx seems to be buzzing with anticipation for another Yankee Stadium slugfest.