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5 starting pitchers the Yankees can target in free agency

By Rucker Haringey

MLB DFS: HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 07: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros looks toward home plate as he walks off the mound in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Minute Maid Park on June 07, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
MLB DFS: HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 07: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros looks toward home plate as he walks off the mound in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Minute Maid Park on June 07, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 26: Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field on July 26, 2019 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Pirates 6-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 26: Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field on July 26, 2019 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Pirates 6-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2. Zack Wheeler

The Yankees showed some interest in Zack Wheeler ahead of this year’s trade deadline, but the Mets elected to hang on to the talented right hander. That decision will pressure the Mets to keep him away from the Bronx when free agency arrives.

That may prove to be a difficult task for New York’s National League franchise. They certainly have the money to keep Wheeler, but it’s hard to imagine them outbidding the Yankees if Cashman really sees Wheeler as a top-end starter.

When you watch Wheeler run his fastball up to the plate at close to 100 miles per hour it’s easy to convince yourself that he has ace stuff. His 4.71 ERA on the season doesn’t back that opinion up, but it’s worth noting that his FIP is a much more palatable 3.65. His ability to strike out hitters at a prodigious clip will make him a very attractive target for the Yankees in free agency.

Wheeler is making just under $6 million this year, which means he’ll be looking to hit it big on the open market. He’s one player on this list who will almost certainly sign with the highest bidder. Again, if the Yankees want to make him their big pitching acquisition of the offseason, they have a great chance to land him.

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