Reports: Starting Pitching Desperation Hasn’t Swayed Yankees on Blackballed Trevor Bauer…Yet

The pitching crisis currently prevails in the New York Yankees. With ace Gerrit Cole going through an MRI for elbow “discomfort”, the team is hastily scrambling for alternatives. Despite the shortage of pitchers, industry reports have something to share about the possibility of Trevor Bauer joining the mix. 

The Yankees’ all-in approach for the 2024 season finds its footing in a championship run. They’ve taken significant steps. First off, securing Juan Soto to a long-term contract is a crucial fragment of that strategy. Secondly, of course, a strong pitching staff is crucial. However, their initial pitchers, Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, are way out of reach. Doesn’t this seem suitable for Bauer to be a candidate?

How Did Trevor Bauer Come Into the Picture? 

Before answering that question, let’s answer why Bauer, 33, even came into the picture. Well, there are three aspects here. Given Snell’s hefty price tag, in conjunction with the luxury tax implications, it’s a financially demanding maze for Hal Steinbrenner to navigate. Discussions with Scott Boras, representing the 31-year-old, have stalled. Now, per reports, one might see the pitcher headed to the Los Angeles Angels or San Francisco Giants.

The other aspect here is Montgomery’s return to the Bronx. Sources have claimed that the left-hander showed no interest in a reunion. Seems like he has effectively taken himself out of the equation. Now, the Yankees are in a precarious position. It makes one wonder about the Chicago White Sox’s ace, Dylan Cease. 

Another improbable scenario is the 28-year-old Cease’s trade. Well, first there is the asking price, coupled with the idea of trading away top prospect Spencer Jones. It’s been established time and again that he is too precious for the Yanks to lose. Another name that comes to mind is Marcus Stroman, as the next best option. But the uncertainty lingers – will he be able to fill the void left by a potentially injured Cole as efficiently? 

Read More: MLB Updates: Trevor Bauer Back in U.S., But Big League Future Remains Clouded in Controversy

Though the New York Yankees seem sure of their decision, maybe Bauer has a chance

Now that all the possible options have been ruled out, Steinbrenner might have to take the ‘road not taken’. The most intriguing, yet controversial, option is Trevor Bauer. However, reports and a source close to Hal stated they might not even be looking in that direction. Having said that, one might have a reason to believe that both parties have hit a roadblock. But let’s not forget that the California native is on his way to redemption. He expressed, “I just stay ready, and maybe people somehow will remember that I’m still one of the best pitchers in the world.’’

Read More: Will Trevor Bauer Get a Second Chance in the MLB?

On one hand, there’s this perspective – “I don’t believe that I was given a lifetime ban. I have served my time. Do I not deserve an opportunity to come back?” On the other, there’s this – “no chance, we don’t need the headache”. Will this moral dilemma result in something conducive? Or will the Yankees and the former Dodger continue to pursue their individual goals without crossing paths?

 At this point, there’s hope that Gerrit Cole returns as early as possible. But it’s up to the management of the mega-franchise how they choose their cushion – Snell? Montgomery? Stroman? Cease? Or even perhaps Bauer.