While spring training is in full swing, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman emphasized on Thursday that their roster enhancement efforts are far from over. In his inaugural press conference of the spring in Tampa, Cashman asserted, “If there are ways to improve the club, we can be open-minded to that. We know what the goal is: to be the last team standing. The more talent you have, the better chances you’re going to have and the better chance you’ll have to withstand injuries, too.”
The spotlight immediately shifts to the Yankees’ starting rotation when addressing injury concerns. Beyond ace Gerrit Cole, the rest of the starting staff faces the challenge of proving they can avoid the injured list while delivering effective performances every fifth day. Carlos Rodón and Nestor Cortes, both All-Stars two years ago, struggled with injuries and poor performance in 2023. Marcus Stroman, a recent addition to the team, dealt with a hip injury in the second half of last season with the Cubs. Clarke Schmidt, a former top prospect, completes the rotation after completing his first full season in the starting lineup.
Cashman expressed receptiveness to potential roster moves, stating, “I don’t have ‘blocked’ on my call sheet for any agents. If they want to call, they certainly have the avenue to do so. I’m always open-minded to listen to what’s available as well as continue our dialogues with opposing general managers. We do like what we have here, but it’s a long season. We’re certainly not going to assume that what we have now is going to be enough. That’s why the job is always to be open.”
Notably, free agents Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, both represented by Scott Boras, remain unsigned. The luxury tax payroll for the Yankees is already projected to exceed $300 million, subjecting the team to the highest level of luxury tax penalties on future expenditures. While exploring the trade market is an option, the cost remains high. Top prospect Spencer Jones has reportedly been deemed untouchable in trade talks, adding complexity to potential deals.
Other contenders, including Baltimore, are also actively seeking pitching upgrades. With injuries affecting Orioles pitchers, the team is considering aggressive moves, and other teams like the Padres, Twins, Angels, and Pirates are also contemplating pitching additions this spring, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The pursuit of pitching excellence adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing offseason dynamics across multiple teams.
