With Anthony Rizzo and Aaron Judge contracts intact, the Yankees look to beef up their starting rotation with another hard throwing pitcher. The Bombers have been eyeing left-hander Carlos Rodon, and are expected to make a formal offer early this week. With Wednesday upon us, San Francisco where Rodon played last season have since signed former Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Ross Stripling on a two-year, $25 million contract and now Carlos Correa to 13-year $350 million deal, reports ESPN's Jeff Passan. This pushes the envelope perhaps an inch closer to the Yankees making a deal with Rodon.
According to the New York Post, "The initial indication is that Rodon seeks seven-plus years at $200 million plus, and while the Yankees seem reluctant to go to that length, they also seem very serious and hopeful about this pursuit." With Chris Bassitt to the Blue Jays, the Yankees need to close this deal with Rondon in order to remain competitive and support the big time signing of Yankee slugger Aaron Judge.
According to the Post, "Rodon thrived in 2022 as a Giant, posting a 2.88 ERA with 237 strikeouts over 178 innings, while leading the league among qualifiers with 12 strikeouts per nine innings and a 2.25 FIP. Rodon celebrated his 30th birthday Saturday." Seven years is a long time for a pitcher to remain healthy and competitive.
So if the Yankees take a hard pass because of Rodon's contract requirements, who can they leverage for another big arm to keep them in the hunt for a championship in 2023? According to Yahoo Sports, it actually could be Gleyber Torres. The 26-year-old had a comeback season in 2022, and perhaps just enough to be a good trading chip for another quality arm in the rotation.
Yahoo Sports sources said that "they thought trading Torres was the Yanks’ real chance to get an impact starting pitcher, assuming they do not sign free agent Carlos Rodón. But another wondered if the rest of baseball saw Torres as enough of a big bat to lure a quality starter in trade." I can't say I disagree.
So it is safe to say a deal will happen soon for Rodon and the Yankees are the top candidate followed by the Giants and the Cardinals. The Yankees need to lock up starting pitching and plug that gaping hole in left field. Perhaps Torres could help with that issue; but that is for another piece. For now, let's hope the Yankees get Rodon and continue to build their team for what is shaping to be a fun 2023 for baseball.
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--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof
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