With the offseason in full swing, rumors around the New York Yankees are beginning to pile up. The franchise stayed quiet at the trade deadline this year which may or may not have hurt them. However, that is not expected to be the case this winter as major change ups could be headed towards the Bronx. Pitching will be a priority as several players have question marks around their head. Just how big will the names be that the Yankees chase and what other moves might be made?
It is no secret the Yankees pitching rotation fizzled at the end. The team got good numbers from rookie Luis Severino, but they ended the year with Nathan Eovaldi injured, Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda struggling, Masahiro Tanaka injured and CC Sabathia entering a rehab facility. The team need top rotation starters and the free agent market will have plenty to choose from.
According to ESPN Insider Jim Bowden, there are a number of players the Yankees will take aim at this winter. David Price is the first name on the list as the pitcher will once again be a free agent following a season with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Yankees had plenty of interest in the pitcher at the trade deadline, but opted not to give up the prospects to acquire him. Spending money on him in the offseason could be a priority. Zack Greinke and Johnny Cueto could also be available this offseason to try and chase. The Yankees have to make decisions on the futures of Sabathia and Nova which could dictate how big they go for pitching help.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Craig Kimbrel and Yoenis Cespedes will be two names that pop up on New York's radar. The Yankees had trade interest in Kimbrel at the deadline, but again opted not to give up prospects to acquire him. The San Diego Padres have been trying to clear contracts and the closer's would be next. Cespedes is not expected to leave the Mets' organization, but that means New York must shell out big money to acquire him. Fans should expect the right fielder to at least test the market.
One move the Yankees will not be making is firing manager Joe Girardi. With two years remaining on his contract, general manager Brian Cashman is making it clear that Girardi is staying put after he got the Yankees to the playoffs this season.
"It's a fact, nobody should be looking for anybody different,'' Cashman said, via the New York Post. "He is signed for two more years and managed the team to the playoffs. It's not his fault we didn't hit. He managed a perfect playoff game."