The New York Yankees re-signed Aaron Judge, and they have set their focus on this big free agent.
The New York Yankees accomplished their top goal this offseason, and that was to re-sign superstar outfielder Aaron Judge. They did so, after agreeing to terms on a nine-year, $360 million contract, beating the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres in negotiations. For Yankees fans wondering if the team is done making moves after retaining both Judge and Rizzo, and bringing back reliever Tommy Kahnle, the answer is no. They reportedly have a big move planned out.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees are preparing to make an offer to Carlos Rodon, the top starting pitcher available in free agency.
Yankees reportedly plan to make offer to free agent Carlos Rodon
Heyman writes in the article linked above that New York was already interested in Rodon, but received word from Judge that he would like to see some improvements to the team. Signing the pitcher would certainly be considered an improvement.
The Yankees do have an opening in the starting rotation, as they watched Jameson Taillon agree to terms on a four-year, $68 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. Bringing in Rodon would create a dominant top three in the rotation alongside Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes.
According to a recent report from Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Rodon is seeking a minimum seven-year contract worth more than $100 million
Rodon is coming off of his age 30 season, his lone campaign with the Giants. In 31 games, Rodon recorded a 2.88 ERA, a 1.028 WHIP, a 14-8 win-loss record, 237 strikeouts, and 52 walks over 178.0 innings.
When it comes to the top names available, Rodon stands above the rest in terms of starting pitchers. It will remain to be seen if the Yankees will be able to sign Rodon to a multi-year deal as he enters his age 30 season. Bringing in the left-hander will certainly improve their odds of contending for a World Series next season.