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MLB rumors: How trading for Toronto Blue Jays All-Star solves New York Yankees’ right-handed bat search

Matt Higgins — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:06:36 +0000

Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees find themselves hunting for a right-handed bat as Giancarlo Stanton’s injury situation complicates their opening day roster plans, but the market offers few compelling solutions.

Stanton is officially headed to the injured list with tennis elbow affecting both arms. He’s already undergone at least three platelet-rich plasma injections, and the team has provided no definitive timeline for his return to baseball activities.

As concerns grow about Stanton’s availability, the Yankees are actively exploring right-handed hitting options, but the free agent landscape remains barren. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez, who spent 2024 with the crosstown New York Mets, is available but doesn’t play the field at this stage of his career.

The market also features right-handed outfielder Adam Duvall and switch-hitting Robbie Grossman, though neither projects to provide significant offensive production.

Meanwhile, the Yankees face additional uncertainty at third base as Jazz Chisholm Jr. shifts back to his natural second base position. Potential third base solution D.J. LeMahieu is battling a calf injury, making it increasingly likely that Oswaldo Cabrera will handle the hot corner when the season begins.

However, if the Yankees want to address multiple roster weaknesses with a single bold move, they should consider reaching out to their division rivals in Toronto about a potential landscape-altering deal.

Why New York Yankees should trade for Toronto Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette

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While it might seem improbable, the Yankees would be wise to gauge the Toronto Blue Jays interest in moving Bo Bichette to the Bronx. The Yankees could transition Bichette from shortstop — where he posted back-to-back seasons with at least 23 errors in 2021 and 2022 — to second base, while keeping Chisholm at third.

This move would immediately strengthen the infield while providing the right-handed bat the Yankees desperately need in their lineup.

Bichette comes off a challenging 2024 season where injuries limited him to just 81 games, resulting in a disappointing .598 OPS, 71 OPS+, and only four home runs. This represents a significant departure from his previous three seasons, each featuring 20-plus home runs.

Adding intrigue to the situation, Bichette revealed that Toronto hasn’t approached him about a contract extension, suggesting he may very well depart in free agency after this season.

If the Blue Jays sense Bichette’s exit is inevitable, why not maximize return value with a prospect package? While the Yankees’ farm system isn’t among baseball’s deepest, they could construct an offer centered around George Lombard Jr., Spencer Jones, or Roderick Arias. They might also include recently-optioned Everson Pereira to sweeten the proposal.

A deal between these longtime division rivals remains unlikely, but exploring this possibility makes strategic sense for both organizations given their current trajectories.

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MLB rumors: Insider shockingly reveals top Arizona Diamondbacks starter might hit trade block if season sours

Matt Higgins — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:20:35 +0000

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to return to October baseball after missing the postseason last year despite an 89-win campaign.

Two seasons ago, Arizona made their unexpected World Series run, and they’re positioning themselves for another playoff push. The front office made key moves this offseason, adding former National League Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes and trading for first baseman Josh Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians to replace Christian Walker, who departed for the Houston Astros.

With Burnes joining the staff, Arizona now features one of the strong rotations in the National League. The group includes ace Zac Gallen, reliable veteran Merrill Kelly, and Eduardo Rodriguez — though Rodriguez was limited to just 10 starts last season due to a shoulder issue.

Arizona’s offense was productive last season, leading baseball with 886 runs scored — and that’s with 2023 National League Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll working through difficulties in the first half.

While the Diamondbacks are expected to be playoff contenders, a respected MLB insider has revealed an interesting possibility: if things don’t go as planned, Arizona might consider trading one of their key pitchers.

MLB insider wouldn’t be surprised if Arizona Diamondbacks put former All-Star on trade block

Credit: Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In a recent column, ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that the Diamondbacks “could end up feeding the trade market” by making Gallen available at the deadline if they drift out of contention.

Olney’s rationale centers on Gallen’s contract situation — he’ll hit free agency this fall, meaning Arizona could recoup value rather than potentially losing him for only draft pick compensation if he rejects a qualifying offer.

“One or more National League West teams could end up feeding the trade market. The Padres enter this season with high expectations after nearly knocking out the Los Angeles Dodgers last summer, but if San Diego drifts behind in the playoff race, it holds two of the best impending free agents, Dylan Cease and former Yankee Michael King. Similarly, the San Francisco Giants have veteran Robbie Ray, who is under contract for $25 million this year and next, and the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen will become eligible for free agency in the fall,” Olney reports.

Gallen, who earned All-Star honors in 2023, has established himself as one of the National League’s premier arms over the past three seasons. Between 2022 and 2024, his ERA has consistently ranged between 2.54 and 3.65, with his ERA+ fluctuating from 115 to an outstanding 158. He’s finished in the top five of NL Cy Young voting twice during this stretch.

His 2024 performance featured a 25.1% strikeout rate while inducing ground balls at an impressive 46.2% clip.

If the Diamondbacks unexpectedly place Gallen on the trade block during another stellar season, they could command a significant prospect haul despite his rental status. Several contenders would undoubtedly line up for a pitcher of Gallen’s caliber, with the Baltimore Orioles and both New York clubs — the Yankees and Mets — standing out as potential suitors.

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Here Is the MLB Opening Day Food Lineup for These 6 Stadiums

Nikole Stewart — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:04:14 +0000

LevyLevy

America’s favorite pastime is back already, and opening day is just around the corner. March 18th marks the start of baseball season, and fans couldn’t be more excited. But while watching the game can be fun, some of us might be more concerned with the MLB opening day food lineup.

This year, Levy has provided an inside look at what fans can expect to eat at a handful of MLB ballparks, from the Chase Field to Dodger Stadium. If you’re heading to one of the six amazing fields this year, get ready to chow down on some creative and flavorful dishes while watching the game.

Stay in the know to get the best food by following Levy on Instagram and X this baseball season.

Wrigley Field

Credit: Levy

Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, has an assortment of delicious meals for fans. In section 117, Marquee Classics has four flavorful and creative dishes that will have your taste buds dancing. First is the Jibarito Sandwich. This takes a classic Chicago dish and puts a spin on it, featuring roast beef, garlic butter, lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli between two smashed and fried plantains.

The Kimchi Burger, which consists of a chargrilled plant-based burger topped with house-made kimchi, hoison aioli, and broccoli slaw, served on a toasted sesame bun.

Puffy Tacos offers fans a crispy puffed flour tortilla topped with carne asada, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and a lime wedge.

Lastly, Chicken and Waffles combine two comfort foods into one sweet and spicy dish. The meal includes crispy fried chicken served with Belgian waffles, hot honey drizzle, and strawberries.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Credit: Levy

The home of the Baltimore Orioles has two amazing dishes that fans need to try this year. The first is a delicious burger, the Warehouse Burger, which is served just beside the Camden Yards landmark on Eutaw Street. The dish featured two flame-seared beef patties topped with queso fundido, fried onions, Grillo’s Pickle de Gallo, and Whistle Sauce, served on a pretzel bun.

The second option is the Chessie, which offers the best of Maryland on a bun. The meal takes a footlong Chesapeake sausage and smothers it with a creamy crab dip, pickled sweet corn, and fried green tomatoes, served on a soft pretzel bun. Both meals can be found near Eutaw Street.

Also Read: MLB mock draft 2025: Projecting first round for 2025 MLB Draft

Chase Field

Credit: Levy

This brings us to the Chase Field next, with Levy’s sneak peek at the MLB opening day food lineup. The home of the Arizona Diamondbacks offers three amazing cuisines that are just mouthwatering to think about. First is the Chicken Parm Sub, located at Jefferson Street Deli in section 121. The sandwich includes crispy, golden chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce, Provolone cheese, pesto, and Parmesan.

Next comes the Filthy Mac Fries, located at Taste of Chase near section 130. The fries feature cajun crinkle-cut friends smothered in white cheddar macaroni and cheese, cheddar cheese, pork belly bacon, BBQ sauce, slaw, crispy onions, and scallions.

The Sonoran Dog is another available at Taste of Chase near section 130 as well as A-zona near section 208. This dog offers fans a hefty half-pound Nathan’s footlong hot dog in a buttery-toasted New England roll, topped with ranch beans, smoked bacon, and Pico de Gallo, drizzled with mustard and mayo.

Dodger Stadium

Credit: Levy

The Dodger Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is another stadium full of delicious food to try this MLB opening season. First is the Slugger, a 16-inch jalapeno cheddar sausage topped with corn relish, white cheddar cheese sauce, cilantro crema, and crunchy tortilla strips. This hearty dog is located near section 51 at Think Bue BBQ and at Fan Fare near section 31.

The Smoked LA BBQ Platter is another home-run featuring house-seasoned and smoked al pastor ribs and pulled pork served with esquite, chipotle cornbread, habanero baked beans, chorizo links, and pineapple salsa, also located at Think Blue BBQ.

The Teriyaki Home Run Platter, which offers teriyaki-glazed chicken served with fluffy steamed rice, shishito peppers, veggie dumplings, and spring rolls with a sweet chili sauce, is located at Delicious Hospitality near section 8.

Last but not least is the Chicken Katsu Club, also located at Delicious Hospitality, featuring crispy chicken katsu stacked on buttery Texas toast with Kewpie mayo, creamy avocado, arugula, tomatoes, and smoky applewood bacon.

Check Out: When will Shohei Ohtani return to mound? Future cloudy as Los Angeles Dodgers halt superstar’s pitching rehab

Nationals Park

Credit: Levy

Heading to Nationals Park? Then get ready to chow down on some of these creative and bold MLB opening day food lineup options. The Jake and Jake’s Smoked Brisket Sandwich is located at the Smoked! near section 140 and offers slow-smoked brisket piled high with Mambo Sauce slaw and tangy pickled vegetables, all on a warm onion roll.

Next up are these outrageous Cheesesteak Loaded Nachos featuring tortilla chips with chopped ribeye, caramelized onions, pickled peppers, Cheez Whiz, and garlic aioli, located at Charge Up Food Hall near section 101.

Lastly, located at the Haute Dog stand at section 105, we have the Nat’s Dog, which offers a buttery split-top bun loaded with chili and Mambo slaw drizzled with tangy mustard.

loanDepot Park

Credit: Levy

loaneDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins, has several amazing options to choose from, thanks to Levy’s sneak peek at the MLB opening day food lineup. First is the Parrillada Board, offering grilled steak, chicken breast, and sausage plated with smashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, chimichurri verde, chimichurri rojo, and cilantro sauce. This is available at the Bullpen Bar and Grill, the new sports lounge in left field.

Located in the same area are also the Pull-Apart Steak Sliders and Tossed Wings. The former meal featured sliced steak topped with cheese, roasted peppers and onions, and chili aioli on pull-apart King’s Hawaiin rolls. The latter dishes are made to order and served with your choice of house-made Buffalo or BBQ sauce, blue cheese, celery, and carrots.

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Vladimir Guererro Jr’s contract demands revealed by top MLB insider

Andrew Buller-Russ — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 23:05:36 +0000

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesNathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

With Juan Soto’s free agency decision long in the rearview mirror, now the next MLB superstar with a questionable future in his current location is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Heading into the final year of his contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, Guerrero Jr has often been the subject of MLB trade rumors.

Yet, teams may be hesitant to swing a blockbuster trade without getting some clarity about what he’s willing to sign for. Thanks to the latest news report on Guerrero, we now have a much better idea on what type of contract he’s seeking.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr seeking $500 million contract

Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Even though free agency is still a year away for Vladimir Guerrero Jr, his market may already be taking shape. Of course, his cost could change with a strong or disappointing season, but his agency does have a specific contract figure in mind.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Guerrero is seeking a contract worth $500 million. That’s $500 million as is, not $500 million in deferrals or anything else.

“The number Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wants is $500 million. Not $500 million before deferrals, but $500 million in present value, according to sources briefed on the first baseman’s contract negotiations with the Toronto Blue Jays. The team’s last offer before Guerrero’s Feb. 18 deadline, according to the New York Post, was around $500 million with significant deferrals that would have reduced the present value to between $400 million and $450 million.”
The Athletic on Vladimir Guerrero’s contract demands

A $500 million contract would be the second-largest contract in MLB history, actually ranking ahead of Shohei Ohtani’s $765 million defreral deal that has a ‘present value’ of $460 million.

After four All-Star appearances and even a Gold Glove, Guerrero shouldn’t have an issue getting what he wants, but it may not come from the Blue Jays.

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Why New York Yankees won’t trade for Dylan Cease or Sandy Alcantara despite rotation crisis

Matt Higgins — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 22:07:43 +0000

Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees rotation has turned into a MASH unit, leaving the Bronx Bombers scrambling for answers as the season approaches.

Early last week, the Yankees learned they would be without reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil until at least June due to a high-grade lat strain in his right pitching shoulder.

It got worse, though, as 2023 AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole will miss the season due to Tommy John surgery. It’s the second consecutive spring training that Cole has dealt with an arm ailment. Last year, right elbow inflammation and edema delayed his season debut until June, limiting him to 22 total starts between the regular season and playoffs. It was the first time he didn’t make at least 30 starts for the Yankees in a full season.

That’s about 45 starts the Yankees will need to cover with Cole gone for the year and Gil missing the first three months. The Yankees will insert Marcus Stroman back into the rotation, despite an $18 million vesting option for 2026 if he hits 140 innings.

As for Cole’s spot, the Yankees will look toward Will Warren, or non-roster invitees Carlos Carrasco and Allan Winans.

However, fans shouldn’t expect the franchise to fill the roles from outside the organization.

New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman reveals team won’t go outside organization to fill injuries

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According to FanGraphs, the Yankees’ luxury tax payroll for 2025 is $305.1 million — $4 million above the $301 million tax threshold, which means New York will face a 110% tax for every dollar over. That’s why, general manager Brian Cashman says, it’s “less likely” the team will pursue replacements not currently on the roster.

“We’ve obviously got big commitments already,” Cashman told MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “The inventory that is going to be available is going to be limited, and then there’s costs associated with those acquisitions. Some of it is in terms of prospect value. Some of it is in terms of money.”

Cashman added there is “very little available” among starting pitching this time of season. Free agent starters Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn and Patrick Corbin are still available, but there’s still a reason why they remain unsigned in the middle of March.

“When we’ve had these conversations many a time over, you hope you can withstand injuries and avoid injuries early from Spring Training up through the Draft, because going outside the organization is just that much more difficult to do. So we’ll rely on what we have, and we’ll explore what is limited available in the marketplace,” noted Cashman.

With the Yankees not looking to add to their payroll and part with prospects, you won’t see San Diego Padres’ Dylan Cease or Miami Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara wearing pinstripes anytime soon.

The Yankees rotation currently looks like Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt (who is dealing with a stiff back himself), and Stroman.

Now it doesn’t mean the Yankees won’t make a move come the trade deadline, but for now, fans shouldn’t expect anybody new.

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Gerrit Cole’s injury opens door for New York Yankees to bring back star they regret trading

Jason Burgos — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:13:28 +0000

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Gerrit Cole’s unfortunate season-ending injury opens the door for the New York Yankees to make a bold trade to bring back a player they likely regret trading last year.

Entering spring training, there was a great deal of excitement surrounding the New York Yankees. Sure, they lost star outfielder Juan Soto in free agency. However, they made a slew of moves in response that had many around the game believing they might be a better team now than when they went to the World Series in October.

However, the team has been hit with some major injuries in recent weeks. Playoff hero Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with an issue in both his elbows that has him sidelined indefinitely. And over the weekend the team suffered a major blow when ace Gerrit Cole was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery. The loss of their best pitcher has many wondering if they have enough to get back to the World Series in 2025.

There has been a great deal of speculation about how they could address the massive hold in the starting rotation. And one interesting option could see them look to bring back former stud prospect Michael King.

Should New York Yankees explore reunion with Michael King?

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Before the 2024 MLB season, the Yankees made a huge trade to acquire San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto. A key part of that deal was including talented young pitcher Michael King. After a pair of seasons with a sub-3.00 ERA, King continued his strong play by going 13-9 and pitching to a 2.95 ERA for San Diego last season. With Soto being one and done in New York, the team likely regrets giving up such a good player just hitting his prime.

There is no doubt King is a very good pitcher with All-Star potential. While most teams would prefer to hold on to a player like that, the Padres are in the midst of a transition in leadership. And the team’s ownership reportedly wants to slash payroll. Both King and fellow pitcher Dylan Cease are free agents after this season. So moving them now before losing them in the offseason would make sense.

Michael King stats (2024): 13-9 record, 2.95 ERA, 1.192 WHIP, 201 strikeouts, 173.2 innings pitched

While trades this late in spring training are uncommon, the Padres desire to cut costs has not disappeared in recent weeks. Furthermore, King reportedly has a lower asking price than Cease. The Yankees can’t assume Cole will return to elite form in 2026. Bringing in a proven pitcher who is still only 29 should be seriously considered.

New York has the money to give him a new long-term deal in the offseason if he has another strong season. If not, they can let him walk. They will likely have to give up premium prospects in a deal. However, the team’s World Series window is very small with this group. Can they afford a lost year? The pitcher who has made 30-plus starts the last three years would fill a need now and long-term for a pitching staff that is old and injury prone.

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Boston Red Sox legend, New York Mets veteran shockingly owns up to rumored PED use during career

Jason Burgos — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 16:31:01 +0000

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One of the greatest sluggers in Boston Red Sox history, Mo Vaughn, revealed this week that reports of PED use during his career were, in fact, true.

During a difficult time in Red Sox history, Mo Vaughn was the bright spot in going to Fenway. Before Boston emerged into a baseball dynasty in the early 2000s, the three-time All-Star was the face of a franchise that struggled to compete for playoff spots in the American League throughout the 1990s.

For long-time fans, there is certainly disappointment that Vaughn wasn’t able to be around for the years when the Red Sox were an MLB powerhouse. He missed that period by quite a few seasons when he departed Boston in the 1998 offseason for a six-year, $80 million contract with the then-Anaheim Angels. However, while it hurt Sox fans at the time, the version of Vaughn LA got was a diminished one.

Mo Vaughn stats (Career): .293 AVG, .383 OBP, .523 SLG, .906 OPS, 328 HR, 1,064 RBI, 861 R

Vaughn suffered a knee and ankle injury in 1999 after falling in the dugout going for a foul ball. Never fully recovering is a major reason why his game quickly declined as he got older. It didn’t help that he lost all of the 2001 season due to a ruptured bicep. He was traded to the New York Mets before the 2002 season in the hopes he could recapture his elite form. However, he was awful and was out of the league two years later.

Further adding to the sad finish to a once outstanding career was his name landing in the infamous 2007 Mitchell Report. It revealed a shocking amount of details of various PED use by players earlier in the decade. Including claims Mo Vaughn used human growth hormone during his time with the Angels. While the MLB great never owned up to the revelation in the years since, he shockingly came clean this week.

Boston Red Sox great Mo Vaughn confirms long-rumored PED use during MLB career

Credit: RVR Photos-Imagn Images

“I was trying to do everything I could,” Vaughn told The Athletic Monday about trying to combat the knee injury suffered in 1999. “But I knew I had a bad, degenerative knee. I was shooting HGH in my knee. Whatever I could do to help the process.”

While there was clear evidence in the Mitchell Report that the Boston Red Sox legend used the performance enhancer, he never confirmed it was true. So, it is still stunning for another player from the 1990s to admit to using PEDs. It seems as though the HGH use was just during his time with the Anaheim Angels and not while he was with the New York Mets.

The saving grace for MLB fans was that Vaughn did not use HGH to boost his stats and performance. Similar to New York Yankees great Andy Petitte, he had a chronic injury that was getting worse. He just wanted to stay on the field and maintain the same level of play up until that point.

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5 New York Yankees starting pitcher trade targets after the Gerrit Cole injury

Matt Johnson — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:20:21 +0000

Dave Nelson-Imagn ImagesDave Nelson-Imagn Images

New York Yankees spring training has been off to a disastrous start with the injuries quickly mounting weeks out from Opening Day. Already without DJ LeMahieu (calf strain), Giancarlo Stanton (elbow) and Luis Gil (lat strain) for the start of the regular season, the Gerrit Cole injury news on Sunday only made things worse.

As first reported by Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Tommy John surgery has been recommended for the Yankees’ ace. New York is seeking second opinions before a final decision is made, but general manager Brian Cashman admitted the club is ‘prepared for the worst‘ outcome. As a result, it’s worth exploring potential Yankees trade target who could take Gerrit’s spot in the rotation.

Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres

Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Dylan Cease drew the spotlight in MLB rumors this winter, with the San Diego Padres looking to shed payroll and get value for the All-Star pitcher in a contract year. The 29-year-old right has been excellent on the mound in the last three seasons, recording a 3.40 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a 10.9 K/9 over the last three seasons. San Diego is currently reluctant to move him, but at least seems willing to entertain it for a strong trade package. New York would need to be willing to sacrifice George Lombard Jr., which is an especially high price to pay for a one-year rental. However, the injuries to Gil and Cole might require New York to make a big move to remain a World Series contender.

Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins

Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Miami Marlins are committed to rebuilding, so former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara will be on the trade block this year. Alcantara, age 29, underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2023 and is now back on the mound. While that is a bit concerning, he did touch 100.4 mph on a four-seamer early in spring training with his changeup (93.2 mph) and slider (90 mph) near his typical velocity. When healthy, he posted a 2.74 ERA< 1.04 WHIP and allowed just 7.2 H/9 from 20220-’22.

As with Cease, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic believes it would cost two of the Yankees top prospects to land Alcantara. One key difference, however, is that Alcantara is under team control through 2027 with a $17.3 million average annual salary (2025-’26) with a $21 million club option for 2027. If healthy, Alcantara would provide a front-line starter for the Yankees rotation for multiple years.

Erick Fedde, St. Louis Cardinals

Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

New York ultimately might not be willing to overreact to the Gerrit Cole injury with a blockbuster trade for another All-Star starter. If that’s the case, the St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly made Erick Fedde available. In 2024, he compiled a 3.30 ERA and 1.16 WHIP across 177.1 innings pitched with the Cardinals and Chicago White Sox. He showed real improvements after a season spent playing in Korea, though, he did have a 5.41 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in his first six seasons with the Washington Nationals.

At the very least, Fedde keeps the ball on the ground as he finished last season 29th in groundball rate (42.1 percent) with just a 9.9% HR/FB rate. He would be relatively cheap to acquire as a one-year rental entering his age-32 season, plus he’s only making $7.5 million this year.

Jordan Montgomery, Arizona Diamondbacks

Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

If New York pursues external options to fill the void in its starting rotation, one familiar name stands out. Jordan Montgomery is on the outs with the Arizona Cardinals, not having a rotation spot locked up despite his exorbitant salary. That’s largely because he was awful in 2024 – 6.23 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in 117 innings pitched – but the Yankees know what he’s capable of.

Jordan Montgomery contract (Spotrac): $22.5 million salary in 2025, 2026 free agent

Also Read: Best baseball players of all time

He came up through the Yankees system and compiled a 3.94 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP across 502.2 innings pitched from 2017-2022. Montgomery proved especially effective from 2021-’23, registering a 3.48 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 524.1 innings. The cost of acquiring Montgomery is eating a significant portion of his contract, but he would be a solid back-end starter in the Yankees rotation.

Michael King, San Diego Padres

Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Rounding out our list of Yankees trade targets is another pitcher the organization knows very well. Michael King was a key piece in the Juan Soto trade last year and he pitched brilliantly for the San Diego Padres. He set a career-high in innings pitched (173.2), finishing seventh in NL CY Young Award voting thanks to a 2.95 ERA and 1.19 WHIP.

New York knows he can pitch in Yankee Stadium – 2.60 ERA and 0.8 HR/9 from 2020-’23 – and he proved last season he can be a full-time starter. Furthermore, unlike Dylan Cease, there’s a shot at keeping him next season ($15 million mutual option). However, San Diego is reportedly even more inclined to keep him versus Cease, so acquiring him would prove costly to the farm system.

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New York Yankees rotation in crisis after losing 40% of starting staff to injuries in week span

Matt Higgins — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 17:16:41 +0000

Dave Nelson-Imagn Images

Injuries continue to plague the New York Yankees rotation as spring training unfolds.

Earlier this week, the Yankees learned reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil will be sidelined several months due to a high-grade lat strain in his right pitching shoulder.

Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Gil emerged as one of the Yankees’ best arms in 2024, going 15-9 in 29 starts with a 3.50 ERA, 117 ERA+, 1.193 WHIP, and 171 strikeouts in a career-high 151 2/3 innings. The young right-hander did, however, walk an MLB-leading 77 hitters.

Gil’s history with injuries adds another layer of concern to this setback. He was limited to just one start in 2022 and missed the entire 2023 MLB season following reconstructive elbow surgery. This latest injury is expected to keep him out until June at the earliest.

Now, the Yankees are dealing with potentially devastating news about their ace.

New York Yankees’ Gerrit Cole ‘concerned’ about elbow discomfort

Credit: Dave Nelson-Imagn Images

The Yankees could be without 2023 AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole for a significant stretch after he experienced discomfort in his elbow following Thursday’s spring training start. Cole struggled in that outing, surrendering six runs in just 2 2/3 innings against the Minnesota Twins.

He has already undergone diagnostic imaging, but the results haven’t been revealed publicly. Cole is currently seeking a second opinion.

“We have an initial idea, but we’re going to wait to see exactly what everybody says before we come to our conclusion,” Cole told MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.

This marks the second consecutive spring training the 34-year-old ace has dealt with arm issues. He was limited to 22 starts last year, including playoffs, and didn’t make his season debut until June due to right elbow inflammation and edema.

“I’ve still got some hope,” Cole said to MLB.com. “I’m still just waiting for the experts to weigh in.”

Gerrit Cole said the imaging of his elbow has already been distributed and he is seeking second opinions. No travel booked at this time. “I’ve still got some hope. I’m just waiting for the experts to weigh in.”
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 8, 2025

The Yankees rotation currently stands with two-time All-Star Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt, who has been dealing with a stiff back himself. Marcus Stroman, whom the Yankees reportedly tried to move in the offseason, will most likely find himself in the rotation to begin the season.

To fill the last spot, New York could turn to Will Warren, Carlos Carrasco, or Allan Winans.

In 17 regular season starts, Cole went 8-5, struck out 99 across 95 innings, with a 3.41 ERA, 121 ERA+, 3.69 FIP, and a 1.126 WHIP.

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Former Uber driver and substitute teacher closing in on New York Yankees roster spot

Matt Higgins — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 12:18:23 +0000

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The New York Yankees have a litany of questions swirling through spring training: When will Giancarlo Stanton be back? Who will lock down the starting third base job? How will top prospect Jasson Dominguez perform in his return?

But perhaps one of the most pressing concerns: Who will be backing up Austin Wells behind the plate in 2025?

ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reports the Yankees find themselves surprisingly thin in the catching department after trading away six catchers since the end of the 2023 season. During the offseason, they shipped Carlos Narvaez to the Boston Red Sox and sent former All-Star Jose Trevino to the Cincinnati Reds.

They could turn to Ben Rice, though he logged just one solitary inning behind home plate as a rookie last season. But the more intriguing option might be a former Uber driver and high school substitute teacher stepping into the Bronx spotlight.

Say hello to 29-year-old journeyman catcher J.C. Escarra

Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Castillo reports that Escarra, who quietly impressed with New York’s Double-A and Triple-A affiliates last season, could legitimately break camp with the big league club.

The Florida native’s path to the pinstripes has been anything but conventional. Originally a 15th-round selection by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2017 MLB Draft, Escarra climbed as high as their Triple-A team in Norfolk but never received the coveted call to the majors.

After his Orioles stint concluded, Escarra pivoted to independent baseball, grinding through two seasons in 2022 and 2023 before the Yankees came calling. His performance across Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2024 turned heads, as he slashed .261/.355/.434 with 12 home runs, 32 doubles, 77 runs scored, and 64 RBI.

Despite eight professional seasons on his résumé, Escarra has yet to make his MLB debut. But for the former rideshare driver who once shuttled passengers to make ends meet between baseball seasons, 2025 could finally be the year he completes his improbable journey to the big leagues.

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