The New York Yankees entered the offseason with several uncertainties, but their starting rotation appeared to be one of the more stable aspects of the team. While not loaded with superstars last season, the rotation provided consistency. This offseason, the Yankees traded Nestor Cortes and signed Max Fried, adding him to a rotation that already included Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt. With additional depth from Marcus Stroman and Will Warren, New York initially seemed to have one of the deeper rotations in baseball.
However, recent developments have changed the outlook. Gil is expected to miss a few months, and Cole is undergoing further testing on his throwing elbow, raising major concerns. Given these uncertainties, the Yankees could look to make a significant trade for another top-tier starting pitcher.
Seattle Mariners ace Luis Castillo would be a strong addition to the Yankees’ rotation. New York previously pursued Castillo when the Cincinnati Reds were shopping him, but he ultimately landed in Seattle. Castillo has been a model of consistency over the past few seasons—something the Yankees now desperately need amid questions surrounding Cole and Gil. Acquiring him would likely require parting with MLB-ready prospects such as Spencer Jones, Everson Pereira, or Jorbit Vivas, along with additional pieces. It would be a costly move, but one the Yankees may need to consider.
