5 under-the-radar starting pitching targets for the Yankees

Leake is already 33-years-old, so it’s highly unlikely he’s going to become an above-average starting pitcher if he signs with the Yankees. What he can provide Boone and his coaching staff is a veteran who can eat up significant innings during the regular season.

That’s a very valuable skill for a team that expects Luis Severino to return to the rotation at some point in June or July. Leake is a player who can be expected to take the ball every fifth day and pitch to around the 4.35 ERA he posted last season.

His median outcome for 2020 is significantly higher than several of the Yankees’ unproven youngsters. Guys like Clarke Schmidt and Michael King have higher ceilings than Leake, but they also have significant bust potential. Signing Leak would give New York’s rotation much more certainty heading into what should be an unpredictable regular season.

Unlike Rodon, the competition for Leake could get heated as Opening Day draws near. He’s not a sexy option for contenders, but his market could accelerate quickly after a few big names go off the board. If the Yankees want to sign him to a bargain deal, they’d be well-advised to move quickly. Leake is going to find a quality contract from someone looking to add a proven commodity to their rotation.