The New York Yankees have generated excitement this offseason with their blockbuster acquisitions of Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Trent Grisham. However, despite their efforts to shore up the pitching staff, cracks are starting to show.
Insider Robert Murray, speaking on “Foul Territory,” revealed the Yankees’ struggles in securing desired pitchers. While they pursued several players, their offers fell short, leading them to miss out on key targets.
Murray pointed out that the Yankees’ offers often lacked competitiveness compared to other teams, hindering their flexibility in negotiations. He cited the case of Keynan Middleton, who ultimately signed a more lucrative deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. Similar situations unfolded with Phil Maton and Ryan Brasier.
“I had heard that their offers were coming in short, compared to what some of these other teams were offering and they weren’t really budging,” Murray told.
“I thought Middleton made a whole lot of sense for the Yankees and I thought that deal was probably going to get done. But the Cardinals ultimately ended up stepping up. They offered a more lucrative, one-year deal than the Yankees did and the Cardinals also included a club option on that as well. So, I think the total value on that if the option is picked up is two years for 11 million.”
Despite these setbacks, the Yankees did manage to acquire left-handed pitcher Caleb Ferguson from the LA Dodgers. However, Murray believes more needs to be done to realistically compete for the World Series.
While Juan Soto’s arrival is a game-changer, Murray emphasizes the need for further acquisitions, particularly in the pitching department. As the offseason progresses, the pressure mounts on the Yankees’ front office to strike a delicate balance. They must invest in the team’s success while maintaining financial responsibility to build a championship-caliber roster. Only then can they reclaim their position as a dominant force in Major League Baseball.
Insider foresees Yankees making a big pitching addition
Despite landing superstar Juan Soto, the New York Yankees’ offseason shopping spree may not be over. Andy Martino hints at a possible trade during spring training to address lingering concerns about their pitching staff.
While adding veteran starter Marcus Stroman ($37 million, 2 years) helped, questions remain. They’re hoping for a bounce-back from Carlos Rodon and a healthy season from injury-prone Nestor Cortes, but uncertainties cloud the rotation beyond ace Gerrit Cole.
The bullpen also faces challenges. Key relievers Michael King and Wandy Peralta bolted to the rival San Diego Padres. While Clay Holmes is slated for the closer role, his talents might be better utilized as a setup man. Missing out on elite closer Josh Hader, who went to the Houston Astros, added to the sting.
Adding Soto, who’s entering a “walk year,” doesn’t guarantee his long-term future, making pitching upgrades even more crucial. Offering Cy Young winner Blake Snell a contract fell short, further narrowing down their options.
Therefore, trading for pitching seems like a strong possibility before the season starts. Spring Training could become a trade deadline of its own for the Yankees as they strive to solidify their pitching and truly contend for a championship.
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