It’s clear that New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman understands the need to pitch this off-season. The Yankees have struggled with bullpen inconsistencies and a lack of starting talent in the rotation for the past few years, and after Corey Kluber closed a $ 11 million one-year deal, Cashman is still looking for more talent.
They were recently rumored to be interested in Cincinnati Reds star Luis Castillo, but negotiations collapsed when Cincinnati requested Gleyber Torres as part of the deal. Of course, Cashman was resistant to this idea, as Torres is a long-term starter in the infield with unrealized potential.
The Yankees are no stranger to the rumor mill, however, and are likely to be linked to several big names in the off-season. While keeping DJ LeMahieu and signing Kluber were two important moves last week, Cashman has continued to sign a number of minor league deals.
The Yankees signed Asher Wojciechowski to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training last week. He receives a salary of 750,000 if he earns playing time with the top team. At 32, he posted a 2020 ERA of 6.82 and a whip of 1.62 over seven starts and 37 innings with the Baltimore Orioles in 2020. I wouldn’t expect much from the career relief, but he’s a player who can take on a role if needed.
The Yankees have also been associated with the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen arm Jameson Taillon. Taillon spent the 2019 season with Pittsburgh, earning an ERA of 4.10 with an impressive base ball rate of 50%. At just 29, Taillon is a 6-foot-5, 230-pound pitcher and a former first-round pick in 2010. He primarily uses a fastball, singer, slider, and curveball.
Heard from several sources today that the Pirates and Yankees had conversations with Jameson Taillon and Josh Bell. Unsure of its seriousness or scope, but it’s an interesting game.
– Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) December 9, 2020
I’m not surprised that given his age and fantastic range of pitches, the Yankees have targeted him as a potential trading option. With the right coaching, he could become a dominant pitcher of relief. It probably won’t come cheap though, but the Yankees do have a few trade pieces to work with if needed.
Comments are closed.