If the Yankees really cared about culture and clubhouse tenor, there wouldn't be Josh Donaldson's first season, let alone his second.
They wouldn't have signed Carlos Rodon, who somehow performed just as badly when he wasn't pitching as he did when he had a 6.85 ERA by mocking fans and publicly disrespecting pitching coaches.
They wouldn't have traded Alex Verdugo. He made his first public appearance as a Yankee on a conference call with reporters, saying he had high hopes for new manager Aaron Boone and subtly attacking former Boston manager Alex Cora. “Instead of making people angry,” he said, “it's to get people's backs.”
What's forgotten is that when Cora pulled Verdugo for one game last year and benched him for another, it wasn't because he had a bad hair day, but rather because Verdugo lacked the hustle on base and kept coming late. This was caused by a problem.
Perhaps as a welcome gift, the Yankees could give Mr. Verdugo a mirror.
So, to know that the Yankees are at least considering Marcus Stroman, there's a lot of disdain for Brian Cashman on social media, especially after the Yankees didn't trade for a right-handed pitcher in 2019. He said the reason was because the GM wasn't looking at Strowman. Postseason rotation.
But Stroman went from a “no chance” to at least playing for the Yankees this offseason. Because when this organization wants someone or is desperate, they turn a blind eye, or they ask Rougned Odo or Nick Swisher for their opinion, or do something cute. It is. It is unlikely to create the necessary scenarios to ignore the mirage of the Yankee ways.
And, hey, are these Yankees desperate?
The Juan Soto trade only made sense as part of a 1-2 upgrade that significantly upgraded the rotation. A season where Rodon was much closer to the No. 1 problem than the previous No. 2 starter, highlighting the need for it in part.
In order to acquire Soto, the Yankees needed to further reduce the depth of their organization's pitching staff, which has been a constant trend over the past few years. In this case, it was Michael King who surrendered, and based on his repertoire and temperament, he should have started the 2024 season as Gerrit Cole's No. 2 starter. There were probably big questions about whether King had the durability to be a full-season starter, but not as much as Rodon or Nestor Cortes.
Cortez has started one game since last May due to a torn left rotator cuff, but when he pitches like that guy again (if at all?), it's a perfect fit for Cortez in 2022. I just want to say that I want to believe that it's back.
Next up is Clark Schmidt. He had an encouraging performance as a starter last season, even though he was below league average. For now, the No. 5 starting pitcher will likely be Clayton Beater or Will Warren. They – let's do the math here – have logged zero innings combined in the major leagues. If the Yankees, like the Mets, are in a hybrid mode of competing in 2024 while exploring what they can do for 2025 and beyond, that would be fine.
However, when the Yankees acquired Soto, they were given just one year of control and a pot-commitment until 2024. In other words, they offered Yoshinobu Yamamoto $300 million and selected the Dodgers in his place. The Yankees were left with a pitching staff they disliked for reasons such as free agency and trade costs, personality, and injury history.
Still, the Yankees should at least quietly acquire one, or perhaps two, of Stroman, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Shane Bieber, Corbin Burnes, Dylan Cies and Jesus Luzardo. I am aware of this. I'm sure there are other options.
What makes Stroman a potential combination is that his desperation might match that of the Yankees – with Stroman clearing criticism of Cashman/Yankees from social media. This is reflected in the decision. Would he do it if there were many teams competing for his services?
Stroman turned down the Cubs' $21 million player option and earned a reputation for his tenacity on the mound, his ability to attack and defend online, his ability to induce ground balls from batters and build bridges with the organization, his high-end athleticism and high maintenance. He became a free agent.
The battle with Cashman dates back to 2019, when the GM did not try to sign Stroman from the Blue Jays because he was not a “difference maker” and “would be in our bullpen in the postseason.” publicly stated. Instead, Stroman was released to the Mets and began taking broadsides on Cashman. In fact, the organization could have used Stroman in the postseason as much as they used Montgomery the past two years after trading him to the Cardinals. as a starter in the postseason.
Considering the only surefire postseason starter is Cole, where would Cashman sign up today to get Stroman and Montgomery? Cole is also the only reliable regular season starter. Cole is arguably the most essential player in the majors. The Yankees need to reduce that difference. That's why they are now deciding which choice is the most bearable of the ones they don't actually want to make.
