The New York Yankees desperately need to add a starting pitcher to their rotation this season.
New York is going to be without its ace, Gerrit Cole, for the entire season after Cole underwent elbow surgery. Luis Gil is sidelined for the time being with a lat strain, and Clarke Schmidt is out with a shoulder injury.
The Yankees will likely turn to the trade market if they plan on adding another starter to the team.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline recently urged the Yankees to swing a blockbuster trade for Philadelphia Phillies All-Star pitcher Ranger Suarez. Suarez is entering the final year of his contract, and Spotrac projects him to sign for $94 million over five years.
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“The Philadelphia Phillies are approaching an inflection point. Ranger Suarez is expected to miss time early in the season as he deals with back stiffness,” Kline wrote. “It’s not a huge concern (yet), but it does put a spotlight on his long-term outlook. The All-Star southpaw is a free agent next winter and could be in line for a hefty payday.
“New York’s rotation needs depth in a big way with Cole, their traditional workhorse, out of commission. The Yanks already broke the bank on a lefty this offseason in Max Fried, but Suarez’s arrival would go a long way toward stabilizing New York’s rotation.”
This trade would make a lot of sense for the Yankees if they could hold onto Will Warren and Jasson Dominguez in the deal.
This trade would only make sense for the Phillies if top prospect Andrew Painter bursts onto the scene to begin the year. Painter is expected to be one of the best young pitchers in the game, but he’s coming off a major elbow surgery. If he can establish himself as a top minor league pitcher, the Phillies could trade Suarez for a huge haul and promote Painter to the big leagues.
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