The New York Yankees are still focused on re-signing the reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge. Judge is still by far their number one priority. However, the team knows that there is more work to be done outside of just bringing Judge back.
Jon Heyman reported this afternoon that the Yankees are in fact in talks with starting pitchers Carlos Rodon and Justin Verlander. While the Yanks requested medicals of Jacob deGrom early in the offseason, New York appears to be focused on those two starters.
Now, some might say that they are staying in touch simply to have as a pivot. That group is the group that believes the Yankees won’t do anything outside of bringing Judge back due to the costs. However, Heyman noted that there appears to be room in the Yankees’ budget for Judge and a big time starting pitcher.
Yankees preference?
We know that the Yankees like Justin Verlander. They tried to sign him last offseason offering him a one-year $25 million deal. However, Verlander opted to stay with the Houston Astros and ultimately won a second World Series with them.
New York currently has Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino, Nestor Cortes slotted into the rotation for next year. They have plenty of options for the last couple of spots including Frankie Montas, however, they appear to be searching near the top of the pitching market for another ace.
Carlos Rodon is a perfect fit if you ask me. He has the attitude this team needs and would give New York a helluva four-pitcher punch with two righties and two lefties. From asking around, New York is hoping the Judge situation comes to an end this weekend one way or another.
The Yankees have work to do and Judge is just the start.
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