yardbarker
The New York Yankees are among the few franchises with the financial wherewithal to pursue Tarik Skubal, yet starting pitching is not necessarily a pressing need for the club. The Yankees already boast a rotation featuring soon-to-be Cy Young Award winner Cam Schlittler, former Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Max Fried. While internal options exist for the fifth spot, acquiring Skubal would undeniably give New York the best rotation in baseball.
At first glance, it would appear the Yankees would be better served allocating resources to bolster their infield. However, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel recently reported that the team is "thinking about" making a push for the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner. McDaniel also noted that if the Yankees were to land Skubal, they would likely attempt to trade from their pitching "stockpile."
Key Analysis
A rotation consisting of Schlittler, Fried, Skubal, Rodón, and Cole would be a nightmare for opposing teams, with the only apparent obstacle being the injured list. Paying Skubal would certainly limit the money the Yankees can spend on improving their offense, but at the same time, it would reduce the importance of upgrading the offense. With that rotation in October, the offense would not need to do as much to win games.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets were listed as the teams "believed to be at the front of the line for Skubal," but there are certainly some sleeper teams. The San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves also need pitching and could become serious contenders. It seems the Yankees are not to be counted out either.
Originally reported by yardbarker.