Yankees on the Hunt for Pitching This Winter

The New York Yankees will be without Carlos Rodon and their ace Gerrit Cole to start the season. If today were opening day, Allan Winans would be the fifth starter. They desperately need help after a combination of injuries and free agency has sapped their depth.

Jun 28, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Allan Winans (62) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Athletics at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, pitching is precisely what the Yankees will be pursuing. The insider says it's one of their biggest priorities this winter outside of retaining the versatile Cody Bellinger.

"The Yankees want to bring back free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger, making him one of their top priorities," Nightengale wrote for USA Today. "They want to sign at least one more front-line starter, with three of their starters opening the season on the injured list. They want bullpen help with four relievers hitting the free-agent market. They want a backup catcher."

The Relief Market

If the Yankees wanted to swim at the top of the relief market, several star-studded names suit their needs. A reunion with Devin Williams might be something they look to do. Williams did finish with a strong September and followed that up with multiple scoreless outings in the postseason.

The Yankees could also go with Edwin Diaz. Pat Ragazzo reported for SI that they might be involved in his market.

Aug 4, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) reacts after striking out Cleveland Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann (not pictured) to end the top of the ninth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Díaz is reportedly looking for a deal similar to the one he signed with the New York Mets in 2022, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. That year, he received a 5-year, $102 million contract. Rosenthal says it is "50-50" that the relief ace with a banger of an entrance returns to Flushing.

Rosenthal also mentioned the Yankees may be keeping an eye on that Diaz market.

"The Mets' crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees, are another club with potential interest."

Mr. and Mrs. Met trumpets for New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz — Sep 18, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; Mr. and Mrs. Met play the trumpets as New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (not pictured) enters the game against the San Diego Padres during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Yankees on the Lookout for Starting Pitching

In the starting pitching market, Tatsuya Imai may be at the top of their list. He is the next top-flight starter heading to the United States from Japan. It would mark the first big international signing from there since Masahiro Tanaka. Imai would not only help heal the pitching woes the Yankees will have early on, but also snap a cold spell after watching a slew of Japanese stars, such as Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, go elsewhere.

If it's about saving a few bucks or not emptying the farm for another Scott Boras client in Tarik Skubal, they could get a quick infusion of veteran aid in Justin Verlander. Verlander should have been a Yankee in 2017, and several reports linked them to him before he signed with the Mets a few years ago. The third time might be a charm here.

Sep 27, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) waits while Colorado Rockies center fielder Brenton Doyle (9) runs out his solo home run during the second inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Signing Verlander wouldn't be much different than when they brought in Corey Kluber for the 2021 season. According to Spotrac, the 41-year-old is likely to receive a one-year deal worth $7.8 million.

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