Fansided

Top 5 potential landing spots for Jordan Zimmermann

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 9, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) pitches during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeated against the Atlanta Braves 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) pitches during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeated against the Atlanta Braves 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Oct 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; The New York Yankees line up for the National Anthem prior to the American League Wild Card playoff baseball game against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Yankees

Expectations always seem to be World Series or bust in New York, but the Yankees actually did fairly well in 2015 to reach the postseason given their roster and injury situation. To do so again next year, New York will need to make some offseason improvements, including in the rotation.

With a massive payroll, the Yankees are usually involved with the bidding for just about every marquee free agent. However, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports  previously reported that the Yankees are hesitant to dole out a mega contract to one of the ace starting pitchers, making Zimmermann a more likely target.

Entering the season, New York’s rotation had plenty of upside on paper, but also carried a lot of risk. C.C. Sabathia and Michael Pineda fell well below expectations, while Ivan Nova did not look good in 17 starts in an attempt to return from Tommy John surgery.

Having Zimmermann replace any of those pitchers would improve the Yankees in 2016. With Masahrio Tanaka at the top and rookie Luis Severino looking very promising, adding Zimmermann would give the Yankees a nice rotation trio to work with.

New York is going to be aggressive in the free agent market and seems likely to add at least one starting pitcher, so Zimmermann makes a lot of sense if the Yankees don’t want to spend $200 million.

Next: Boston Red Sox

Home/Boston Red Sox