The rotational issues of the New York Yankees haven’t really disappeared. If anything, this Spring Training has magnified the fact that Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes Jr. need a lot of time before they can return to their best. Their below-average performances have ensured that questions are raised. Especially as two quality starters are still in the market by the name of Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery.
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The Yankees’ interest in Snell has been a persistent theme in the ace’s free agency. However, things aren’t rosy currently between them. Similar is the case with Montgomery, who may have some doubts after the way he was traded in 2022. Still, never say never in baseball. There could be a chance for at least one of them to make their mark in the Yankee Stadium.
The bad signs for the New York Yankees’ rotation?
There were already doubts about the quality of the Yankees’ rotation even before the Spring Training began. Despite the addition of Marcus Stroman, the lineup looked a little too risky. Rodon and Cortes were coming off of major injuries and Stroman’s form had dipped by September. Will they be able to return to their best in time? That was a major question and Spring Training has given a clear answer to this.
Till now, neither Cortes nor Rodon have impressed by their starts. There’s a clear lack of control in their pitching. They can’t be blamed for it because their primary focus has been to get more pitches under their belt. Still, Cortes gave away 6 runs and 9 hits in 3 ½ innings against the Minnesota Twins in Saturday’s rough outing. A few days ago, Rodon gave up 2 homers through his trademark fastballs.
This has made it all the more important for the Yankees to look for solutions. That’s where Montgomery and Snell come into the picture. Here, it’s Monty who could prove to be a possible signing for the Bronx Bombers. Josh Wilson of FanSided speculated the same that because Monty is open to a long-term deal, the Yankees can go after him.
A long-term deal suits the Pinstripes a lot more than a short-term one. There are many reasons to believe that the Yankees can still have Monty.
Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell – can either be a part of the Pinstripes?
Jon Heyman of the New York Post had shared that the Boston Red Sox weren’t interested in a long-term deal with Montgomery. They were his primary suitors and in their absence; the door is wide open for the Pinstripes. Unlike Snell, who would cost a draft pick, Monty comes free of any such conditions. Also, Montgomery wants a longer contract.
The Yankees will pay 110% tax on any payment they make this season. A long-term deal would enable them to back-load the salary and reduce their burden for this year. Could that be the way here as well? It is possible, however, as of now, there are no clear links between Monty and Yankees. Still, one can hope that a homecoming might be for the World Series hero.
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Edited by
Deepanshi Bajaj