Yankees rumors: Which pitchers could New York sign?

New York made a big splash earlier in the offseason with the Giancarlo Stanton trade. Now, the Yankees are in the hunt for a starting pitcher.

The New York Yankees are one of the best teams in the American League. Their young core made a surprise run and almost won the AL pennant, falling in seven games to the Houston Astros in the ALCS.

To augment an already-talented roster, the Yankees went out and stole Giancarlo Stanton from the Marlins. Now, the Yankees are trying to add a right-handed starting pitcher. Here is what insider John Morosi wrote on the matter:

"With Darvish — and Todd Frazier — having signed elsewhere, the Yankees’ free-agent options are coming into focus. They have monitored Lynn’s marketplace this offseason, but it’s unclear if they can fit him into the roughly $15 million they have budgeted for spending between now and Opening Day. The Yankees’ payroll is not yet close to the $197 million luxury-tax threshold, but general manager Brian Cashman wants to allow flexibility for Trade Deadline moves."

So, the Yankees passed on their top targets in order to stay under the luxury tax threshold. With the slow market for starting pitching, New York may be able to swoop in and snag Lance Lynn. But like Morosi said, it might be difficult to fit him into their plans. Lynn may have to take a cheaper deal to play in pinstripes.

Who else could the Yankees pursue? Another guy that is a target is Tampa Bay Rays righty Jake Odorizzi. He hasn’t been at the breakout level like his 2015, but the right-hander still has two years of control and is a sub 4.00 ERA guy. New York might have to give up more in order to acquire him considering he would stay in the AL East. Odorizzi is a pitcher that relies on his fastball-changeup combo, and his control is key.

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One more pitcher they could lure maybe Alex Cobb, but he will be looking for a similar payday to Lynn. There is a possibility of the pitchers taking a pillow contract and signing with New York. The Yankees may get whichever of the duo doesn’t sign. The club has plenty of prospects to choose from if they went the trade route.

Overall, the Yankees have the luxury tax threshold looming, but that doesn’t mean the team shouldn’t pursue a starting pitcher. The Yankees have already made a move to augment the core in the Stanton trade. Now they should make a move for a reliable starting pitcher if the price is right.