The New York Yankees find themselves in a compelling position, having won 82 games last season and significantly strengthened their lineup with the acquisitions of outfielders Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Trent Grisham in two off-season trades. Despite these improvements, the Yankees acknowledge the need for further enhancements, particularly in the starting rotation.
Various pitchers have been linked to the team, and there’s potential for another major trade before the season begins. The Yankees aren’t solely focused on the upcoming season; they recognize a valuable window of opportunity to secure multiple World Series titles in the coming years.
The team’s current starting rotation poses the most significant uncertainty, prompting efforts to secure one or two pitchers in the off-season while also strategizing beyond the 2024 season.
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ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel suggests that Milwaukee Brewers All-Star Brandon Woodruff could be a solution, even though he is expected to miss the entire 2024 season due to injury.
McDaniel proposes a trade package that includes top pitching prospect Chase Hampton, another top 100-caliber prospect in outfielder Everson Pereira, and bat-first catcher Agustin Ramirez.
This move could leave the Yankees with promising younger options like Will Warren and Clayton Beeter, along with the projected MLB starters, possibly necessitating the addition of a veteran starter on a non-roster invite or taking a gamble on an injured player like Brandon Woodruff on a two-year deal.
While Woodruff may not be available for the entire 2024 season, his track record as a two-time All-Star with a 2.28 ERA in 11 starts last season, and a career 3.10 ERA in 130 games over seven seasons, makes him an attractive option. Additionally, his availability at a potentially lower cost due to his absence in 2024 adds to his appeal.
Overall, the Yankees are poised for success, and augmenting their rotation, possibly with the inclusion of Woodruff, could contribute significantly to their long-term aspirations, potentially leading to multiple World Series victories in the coming years.