The New York Yankees have made a pair of major splashes ahead of the 2021 MLB season with the reported return of DJ LeMahieu on a six-year, $90 million deal, as well as a one-year pact worth $11 million for two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber.
The Yankees head into the 2021 season as the favorites in the American League, but some questions remain regarding the pitching staff after an up-and-down year on the mound in 2020.
A 60-game season in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic may not be the best measuring stick for success, but the Bombers pitching staff ranked 14th in MLB in team ERA (4.35) and 11th in strikeouts (528), WHIP (1.24) and opponents’ batting average (.236).
As teams have strived to do over the years, the Yankees will likely be aiming to keep their 2021 payroll under the $210 million competitive balance tax (CBT) threshold. As things stands now, the team is committed to just over $205 million in payroll for the 2021 season, leaving them with roughly $4.85 million to make any further acquisitions (based on Spotrac data).
The Yankees’ 40-man roster is also fully occupied with all 40 spots spoken for, so if the Bombers do look to add another starter in free agency, for example, they’ll have to make a subsequent move to open up a spot for him.
There are always trade possibilities that can materialize, but those are often very difficult to forecast and predict, so instead we’ll take a look at a few free-agent hurlers who might be worth a closer look for the Bombers heading into 2021.
BARGAINS ($5 million-or-less market value via Spotrac)
Julio Teheran, RHP (30) - $1,123,415
This two-time All-Star has thrown at least 175 innings every year from 2013 to 2019 (ok, he fell 1/3 of an inning shy in 2019) and has shown flashes of excellence during that span with Atlanta. Last year’s step backwards with the Angels (W-L: 0-4, 10.05 ERA) could be cause for concern, but will also help keep his asking price on the lower end of the spectrum.
Anibal Sanchez, RHP (37) – $2,839,375
After debuting all the way back in 2006, Sanchez has compiled a respectable career resume with a number of years in the American League, including his career-best 2013 season when he earned the AL ERA title with a 2.57 mark. Sanchez surrendered an NL-worst 39 earned runs over 53 innings last year with the Nats, but again, he’d certainly be a bargain at age 37.
Mike Fiers, RHP (36) - $4,896,910
Some understandable bad blood with marquee Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton may be enough to take Fiers out of the running, but he impressed on the mound back in 2019 with Oakland to the tune of a 15-4 record and a 3.90 ERA over 184 2/3 innings. Spotrac estimates he’ll command under $5 million for 2021 as well, putting him in the Yankees’ price range to stay under the $210 CBT limit.
MID-LEVEL ARMS ($5 million to $10 million market value)
Chase Anderson, RHP (33) - $5,016,958
Anderson struggled in 10 appearances for Toronto last season, posting a 7.22 ERA over 33 2/3 innings for the Jays, but with a 4.06 career ERA and an annual average of 143 innings pitched between 2014-19, he’ll be worth a look from somebody looking to build the back end of their rotation.
Rick Porcello, RHP (32) - $6,163,885
A local boy from the Garden State, Porcello was a Cy Young winner in Boston back in 2016 after a stellar campaign, but 2020 brought some concerning results on the mound as he struggled with the Mets (W-L: 1-7, 5.64 ERA). It remains to be seen how much the pandemic influenced a lot of players’ struggles last year, but Porcello could represent a compelling option for the rotation on a modest deal.
Brett Anderson, LHP (33) - $6,685,918
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this burly 6-foot-4 hurler is that he is a lefty, which the Yankees sorely lack in their pitching staff heading into 2021. Anderson was a solid starter alongside former A’s teammate Mike Fiers back in 2019 when he went 13-9 with a 3.89 ERA. His left-handedness and moderate market value could make him a compelling candidate for the Bombers.
TOP-TIER TALENT ($10+ million market value)
James Paxton, LHP (32) – $12,101,403
Yankees fans saw what Paxton can offer on the mound during his time in pinstripes from 2019-20: elite strikeout stuff from the left side (212 K in 171 IP) as well as nagging injury setbacks. Paxton might consider accepting a one-year pillow contract to try and reestablish his value, but if Kluber was able to command $11 million there’s little doubt Paxton will be able to top that, potentially putting him out of the Yankees’ price range.
Masahiro Tanaka, RHP (32) – $16,691,031
A beloved member of the Yankees rotation since 2014, Tanaka has considered a potential move back to his native Japan next season if the Yankees choose not to bring him back for 2021. The trusty right-hander is a respected clubhouse presence in the Bronx and a quiet leader, but with a considerable market value nearing $17 million, would he be willing to structure a deal to help the Yankees stay below $210 million this season? Only time will tell.
Trevor Bauer, RHP (30) – $29,275,046
It’s hard to envision the Bombers flying in the face of their payroll considerations by signing the mercurial reigning Cy Young winner, but if the team did choose to go that route, Bauer is the most impactful pitching talent by miles. Bauer, 30, posted a remarkable 1.73 ERA over 73 innings with the Reds last year, and has as much confidence in his abilities as any free agent on the market, but the question remains whether he'd be a good fit in the Bronx.
The Hot Stove season has finally started to see some action as teams prepare to open spring camp in under a month, and there’s sure to be a number of major moves still yet to be made.
For the latest Yankees news and developments this offseason, be sure to tune in to the latest editions of Yankees Hot Stove airing on YES Network all winter long.