Patrick Corbin is a Washington National and its time for the Yankees to move on to other targets. Look for Brian Cashman to focus on these five pitchers.
There’s no question that signing Patrick Corbin in free agency was the Yankees Plan A. Unfortunately, the Nationals made the decision to outbid New York in terms of both years and dollars. That means it’s time for the Yankees to pivot quickly to other targets.
The good news for Brian Cashman and company is that there’s still plenty of talent available. The fact that Corbin elected to make his decision so early is a blessing in disguise for the Yankees. Almost every other conceivable target to upgrade Aaron Boone’s rotation is still on the board.
The obvious question now becomes which guys will receive Cashman’s attention next. He’ll certainly investigate every potential way to strengthen his pitching staff. Missing out on Corbin doesn’t necessarily mean the Yankees have to sign a different free agent. It easily could be a trade that fills the void.
In this piece, we’ll walk you through the five players most likely to take Corbin’s spot. We start with a guy who got a lot of attention early in the offseason, but hasn’t been discussed much as of late.
5. Carlos Carrasco
Carrasco is one of three Cleveland starters who are believed to be available for the right price. Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer are also on the market. We think he’s the most likely to don pinstripes because he strikes the right balance of being available and attractive to Yankees brass.
Kluber is the most established of the three, but the Tribe won’t part with him unless they receive a Godfather offer. Various rumors claim Cleveland asked for Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar earlier this winter. The Yankees won’t come anywhere close to matching that kind of offer.
Bauer is a really interesting target as well, but it’s hard to imagine the Yankees’ conservative front office embracing his outspoken personality. He’s entertaining on social media, but his desire to sign a series of one year contracts for the rest of his career is going to be a pain for any front office that chooses to deal with him.
That leaves Carrasco as the guy to watch here. He threw 192 innings with an ERA of 3.38 in the American League last year. That sort of production would be a huge lift for the Yankees.