Yankees dream rotation after adding Carlos Rodon

Yankees dream starting rotation after Carlos Rodon signing

The realistic starting rotation looks pretty good. What if the Yankees were to improve upon it.

Let’s say that during the 2023 season, New York sees Severino sidelined with an injury or if Montas fails to impress in his first full season with the team? That could force Yankees general manager to bring in some reinforcements. Not just that, but maybe they’re at full health and Cashman wants to further bolster the rotation. The best way to do so is to explore the trade market and to try and negotiate a deal ahead of the deadline.

How about they go after a starting pitcher that they were in on at this past season’s trade deadline?

After the Yankees had acquired Montas, there were reports that they were in negotiations with the Miami Marlins for Pablo Lopez. In those talks, Lopez and infielder Miguel Rojas would head over to New York in exchange for second baseman Gleyber Torres and a prospect. However, the Yankees reportedly backed out of the deal after the Marlins asked for No. 3 prospect and shortstop Oswald Peraza.

If the Yankees want to go all-in for a World Series title, they should explore a Lopez deal again. Last year, Lopez recorded a 3.75 ERA, a 1.167 WHIP, 174 strikeouts, and 53 walks over 180.0 innings (32 starts).

Here’s what a rotation with Lopez could look like:

1. Gerrit Cole
2. Nestor Cortes
3. Carlos Rodon
4. Pablo Lopez
5. Luis Severino

Given Cole, Cortes, and Rodon are at the top of the rotation, that would allow Lopez to move into the No. 4 spot. That way, Severino could move down to the No. 5 spot. Or, they could put Severino in the bullpen and place Montas at the very end of the rotation.