The New York Yankees failed to secure Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the MLB free agency, as he signed a record-breaking contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite this setback, the front office, led by Brian Cashman, is actively seeking to enhance their pitching rotation.
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees have expressed interest in acquiring Miami Marlins pitcher Jesus Luzardo. Additionally, they are exploring the possibility of adding Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians.
While the pursuit of Bieber is not surprising, given previous connections with him and Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease, the inclusion of Luzardo in Yankees trade talks is noteworthy. The 26-year-old former top prospect of the Oakland Athletics could offer a long-term solution for the Yankees, given his impressive performance last season. Luzardo recorded career-high numbers with 208 strikeouts in 178.2 innings pitched.
Jesus Luzardo trade makes sense for the New York Yankees
Luzardo is currently under team control through arbitration for the next three seasons, and his projected salary for the 2024 season is a modest $5.9 million. It raises the question of why the Miami Marlins would entertain offers for this young pitcher. However, considering their surplus of starting pitching, the Marlins are in pursuit of offensive help, potentially creating an advantageous situation for the Yankees.
Given that the Yankees missed out on acquiring Yamamoto and are actively involved in pursuing players like the reigning National League Cy Young winner Blake Snell, there’s a plausible scenario where the Yankees bolster their rotation by adding two more starting pitchers. While Gerrit Cole anchors the team’s rotation, there are uncertainties beyond that.
The previous offseason’s major free agent signing, Carlos Rodón, struggled with a 6.85 ERA. Additionally, pitchers like Clarke Schmidt (4.64 ERA, 1.35 WHIP), Domingo Germán (4.56 ERA), and Nestor Cortes (4.97 ERA) didn’t instill much confidence. The blockbuster trade for Juan Soto also depleted the Yankees’ rotation options, including Jhony Brito and Michael King.