The New York Yankees were able to add Carlos Rodon to their starting rotation. Here’s what a dream rotation could look like for the team.
The New York Yankees retained superstar outfielder Aaron Judge on a nine-year, $360 million contract. After the signing, Judge informed the Yankees that he would like to see some improvements made to the team. One name that they’ve been linked to for quite some time is former San Francisco Giants and Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon.
After days of waiting, Yankees fans were welcomed by the news on Thursday night that the team and Rodon have agreed to terms on a six-year, $162 million contract.
New York’s starting rotation was a strength last season, but they have made it even better with the addition of Rodon. Let’s take a look at what the rotation looks like currently, as well as a potential dream rotation after the 2023 trade deadline.
Yankees current rotation with Carlos Rodon
Yankees fans, this is what you’ve been waiting for. Here’s what the rotation looks like now after the news of Rodon’s signing:
- Gerrit Cole
- Nestor Cortes
- Carlos Rodon
- Luis Severino
- Frankie Montas
Realistically, Rodon will fill in either the No. 2 or 3 spot in the rotation. Cole holds the top spot, and there’s no disputing that. But a top three consisting of Cole, Rodon and Nestor Cortes is really good.
Cortes is coming off of an impressive 2022 campaign, posting a 2.44 ERA, a 0.922 WHIP, 163 strikeouts, and 38 walks in 158.1 innings (28 starts).
The Yankees are in a more favorable position, as they won’t have to bank on Luis Severino as much as they have in the past. He had been the No. 3 starter, but he dealt with numerous injuries in recent years, which would put the rotation in bad strength. Now, they wont’ have to worry about Severino going down with injury, as he slides down to the No. 4 slot.
Finally, the No. 5 spot goes to last season’s trade deadline acquisition Frankie Montas. He had dealt with a right shoulder injury during the first half of the season with the Oakland Athletics, and it followed him when he arrived with the Yankees. Through eight starts with New York, Montas recorded a 6.35 ERA, a 1.538 WHIP, 33 strikeouts and 15 walks in 39.2 innings. The hope is that Montas shoulder is healthy entering the season and he can serve as a solid No. 5 starter in the rotation.
With this, the Yankees can have Domingo German as a bench option in case one of the five pitchers above pick up an injury.
But what if it got even better?
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:
- Gerrit Cole
- Nestor Cortes
- Carlos Rodon
- Pablo Lopez
- 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.