The New York Yankees and the Search for a Starting Pitcher after the Loss of Superstar Ace: A Look at the Remaining Free-Agent Market
The New York Yankees, one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, are in the midst of a critical offseason, as they face the loss of a superstar starting pitcher and look to fill the void with remaining free-agent options. After a disappointing season in 2023 that saw them fall short of expectations, the Yankees are eager to retool their roster and remain competitive in the highly challenging American League East. With one of their aces potentially moving on, the pressure is on to add a reliable and dynamic pitcher to their rotation, especially as they head into the 2024 season.
The Impact of Losing a Superstar Ace
The Yankees’ starting pitching staff had long been anchored by a superstar pitcher, but after a season of injury struggles and disappointing results, the team is likely to part ways with their ace or may be faced with the possibility that the player signs elsewhere. Losing a player of this caliber leaves a considerable gap in the rotation, and finding a viable replacement is now one of the Yankees’ top priorities.
Historically, the Yankees have relied on their high-profile free-agent signings to bolster their roster, whether through acquiring ace pitchers or big-name sluggers. However, the market for starting pitchers in free agency can be tricky. While there are still some quality arms available, the absence of top-tier talent like the departed ace makes it harder for the team to fill that hole.
The State of the Yankees’ Starting Rotation
As of now, the Yankees’ starting rotation is made up of a mix of veterans and young pitchers, but they lack a true frontline ace to lead the staff. Gerrit Cole, a former Cy Young contender, remains the most prominent pitcher on the roster, but the team needs more depth and consistency beyond him. Other starters, including Nestor Cortes and Luis Severino, have had flashes of brilliance but have been inconsistent. Additionally, the injury history of some of these pitchers makes it even more vital that the Yankees add another high-quality arm to their staff.
This situation has created a window of opportunity for the team to make a move in the free-agent market. With that said, let’s take a closer look at the top remaining free-agent starting pitchers who could help the Yankees fill the hole in their rotation.
Top Remaining Free-Agent Starting Pitchers
While the Yankees may have missed out on some of the top-tier names on the market, a number of viable options remain. Here’s a closer look at some of the best remaining free-agent starting pitchers who could fit well with the Yankees’ roster:
1. Sandy Alcántara (Miami Marlins)
Although Alcántara is technically still under contract with the Miami Marlins, the pitcher has been the subject of trade rumors and could be available for the right offer. Alcántara, the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner, has quickly established himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball. In 2023, despite facing challenges on a Marlins team that struggled offensively, he posted impressive numbers, including a sub-3.00 ERA and a solid strikeout rate.
His dominance on the mound, combined with his ability to pitch deep into games, would make him an ideal candidate to slot into the Yankees’ rotation. Alcántara’s experience in a tough division like the NL East would help him transition seamlessly to the American League East. If the Yankees can swing a deal for Alcántara, he would provide them with the ace they desperately need.
Why the Yankees should target him:
- Proven frontline starter with a Cy Young under his belt.
- Durability and ability to pitch deep into games.
- Excellent stuff and elite command.
- Adds an elite weapon to a Yankees rotation in need of an ace.
2. Blake Snell (San Diego Padres)
Blake Snell, the 2018 AL Cy Young winner with the Tampa Bay Rays, is another high-profile free-agent pitcher still available. Snell has had an interesting career trajectory, with a number of seasons marked by inconsistency, but his talent is undeniable. In 2023, he had one of the best seasons of his career with the San Diego Padres, leading the NL in earned run average (ERA) and striking out over 230 batters.
Snell’s stuff is electric, with a wipeout slider that can make hitters swing and miss at a high rate. While he can be prone to walks and occasional control issues, Snell’s ability to miss bats and be dominant on his best days would be a huge asset for the Yankees. A move to a pitcher-friendly ballpark like Yankee Stadium, combined with the leadership of pitching coach Matt Blake, could help Snell find even more consistency.
Why the Yankees should target him:
- Dynamic stuff, including a devastating slider and high strikeout rate.
- Previous Cy Young winner with a strong track record.
- High upside, especially if paired with Yankees’ pitching development.
- Would slot in nicely behind Cole at the top of the rotation.
3. Jordan Montgomery (St. Louis Cardinals)
Jordan Montgomery, who was traded by the Yankees to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022, has proven to be a reliable and steady option in the rotation. After the trade, Montgomery thrived with the Cardinals, posting excellent numbers and establishing himself as a dependable mid-rotation starter. His ability to avoid hard contact and keep the ball on the ground makes him an intriguing option for the Yankees.
Montgomery doesn’t possess the overpowering stuff of some of the other pitchers on this list, but his consistency and ability to pitch effectively without elite velocity would make him a solid addition to the Yankees’ staff. If the Yankees are looking for a steady, dependable presence in the rotation, Montgomery would be a strong candidate.
Why the Yankees should target him:
- Familiar with the Yankees’ system, making him a good fit.
- Consistent performer with excellent command and control.
- Ability to pitch deep into games without giving up a lot of hard contact.
- Offers a reliable and steady option in the middle of the rotation.
4. Aaron Nola (Philadelphia Phillies)
Aaron Nola, who has spent his entire career with the Philadelphia Phillies, is another top-tier free-agent pitcher who could still be available. Nola has been one of the most durable and effective pitchers in the National League over the past several years, with a career ERA just above 3.00 and an impressive strikeout rate. He’s consistently been a workhorse for the Phillies and has demonstrated his ability to perform in big moments, especially during their playoff run in 2023.
Though Nola is not considered a true ace in the same mold as Gerrit Cole, his consistency and high baseball IQ make him an attractive option for the Yankees. He’s also a ground-ball pitcher who excels at limiting home runs—an important trait when pitching in Yankee Stadium.
Why the Yankees should target him:
- Durable pitcher with a long track record of success.
- Consistent performance in high-pressure situations, including playoffs.
- Great command and ability to avoid home runs.
- Fits well into the middle of a rotation, offering stability.
5. Sonny Gray (Minnesota Twins)
Sonny Gray, a former Yankee, has experienced a career resurgence in recent years. After struggling with the Yankees during his initial tenure, Gray found new life with the Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins, posting some of his best seasons. In 2023, Gray had a fantastic year, posting a sub-3.00 ERA and being named an All-Star.
Gray is a high-strikeout pitcher who relies on his slider and curveball to get outs. If the Yankees are willing to bring him back to the Bronx, he could provide a veteran presence and a much-needed second-tier starter behind Gerrit Cole. Gray has shown that he can handle the pressures of pitching in a major market, and his effectiveness would add a veteran leader to a young rotation.
Why the Yankees should target him:
- Familiarity with the Yankees and pitching in New York.
- Career resurgence, especially in 2023.
- High strikeout rate and strong stuff.
- Adds depth and stability to the rotation.
Conclusion: The Yankees’ Path Forward
The loss of a superstar starting pitcher is a significant blow to the New York Yankees, but it also opens up an opportunity for them to retool their rotation. With several strong options still available on the free-agent market, the Yankees have a chance to add an impactful arm to their staff. Whether they choose to pursue a high-upside pitcher like Blake Snell or a consistent presence like Jordan Montgomery or Aaron Nola, the key for the Yankees will be finding a starter who can complement Gerrit Cole and provide stability to the rotation.
In the coming weeks, expect the Yankees to be active in the free-agent market, looking to make a splash and strengthen their roster as they prepare for the 2024 season.