Even after reaching the World Series, the New York Yankees have a lot of offseason work to do. First and foremost, they plan to re-sign superstar slugger Juan Soto to a long-term contract. However, with competitors such as the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Boston Red Sox also interested in Soto, the Yankees’ ability to re-sign him is far from guaranteed. The Yankees are also expected to make an external addition or two to their infield, as first baseman Anthony Rizzo and second baseman Gleyber Torres pursue free agency.
And the team has some worries about its pitching staff, especially after starter Marcus Stroman was removed from the rotation for the playoffs. To address the latter issue, Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer speculated that the Yankees would sign veteran pitcher Justin Verlander to a one-year, $15 million contract for next season. If the Yankees sign Verlander as expected, they will be acquiring one of baseball’s most decorated stars at a huge risk. Verlander began the 2024 season, his 19th, on the injured list and never regained form. In 17 starts with the Houston Astros, he had a 5.48 ERA with a lower velocity fastball.
However, Verlander has stated unequivocally that he has “a lot more to give” and that his on-field exploits speak for themselves. Throughout his career, he has won three Cy Young Awards and received nine All-Star nominations. If they sign Verlander for a single year, the Yankees can hope he returns to his 2023 form, when he had a 3.22 ERA in 27 starts for the Astros and the New York Mets. If that’s the case, he’d be a good fit alongside Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil. The Yankees might also be interested in seeing Verlander wear pinstripes before he enters the Hall of Fame after his playing career is complete.
Leave a Reply