Fansided

Projecting the Yankees starting rotation in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 08: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Luis Severino #40 of the New York Yankees in action against the Boston Red Sox in Game Three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 8, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 16-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 08: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Luis Severino #40 of the New York Yankees in action against the Boston Red Sox in Game Three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 8, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 16-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 5: J.A. Happ #34 of the New York Yankees pitches during Game 1 of the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Friday, October 5, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 5: J.A. Happ #34 of the New York Yankees pitches during Game 1 of the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Friday, October 5, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

4. J.A. Happ

Happ wasn’t a Yankee for very long in 2018, but he settled right in. The former Blue Jay looked very comfortable donning pinstripes down the stretch.

It’s not a lock that Happ will re-sign with the Yankees, but we like the team’s chances. He was very complimentary of his time in New York which clearly indicates he’s willing to consider a return. The Yankees should make him a very competitive offer in the offseason.

A significant aspect of Happ’s appeal is that he’s a steady, veteran who has already proven he can handle the pressure of pitching in a Yankee uniform. That’s always an issue for new acquisitions. If you don’t believe us, just ask Sonny Gray. Happ’s already proven that he can adjust to the pressures of New York. That’s worth several million for Cashman in free agency.

Like Corbin, Happ has the talent to move up this list as the season goes on. Remember though, he was acquired with the idea that he could stabilize the back end of the rotation last season. He wasn’t really expected to develop into an ace. Look for Happ to return in 2019 and establish himself as an above average starter near the back of Boone’s rotation.

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