The New York Yankees made one significant move in free agency when it came to their pitching rotation as they signed Marcus Stroman.
But, in the category of “you can never have enough pitching,” there is a new free agent on the market that could off the Yankees some back of the rotation depth if they’re so inclined.
The good news is he’s a former All-Star — Jake Odorizzi.
Odorizzi missed all of 2023 with an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his right shoulder last April. At the time he was with the Texas Rangers, and it was hoped he would contribute to their rotation. He spent the entire season on the Rangers’ injured list as the franchise won its first World Series.
Now, MLB Network reported on Monday that Odorizzi was pitching without restrictions and has worked from a mound with up to 12 Major League team in attendance. His goal is to sign a contact in the coming weeks, hopefully a Major League deal.
The Yankees’ rotation is anchored by reigning American League Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole, who won his first award last season.
Carlos Rodón, last year’s major acquisition, is hoping to bounce back in 2024 after missing half of last season due to injury. Nestor Cortes, Stroman and Clarke Schmidt could round out a five-man rotation.
But the Yankees also have Yoendrys Gómez, Clayton Beeter (one of their top prospects) and Luis Gil.
Odorizzi could be that veteran fit the Yankees might want at the back of their rotation.
Odorizzi last pitched with Atlanta to end the 2022 season. Odorizzi made his only All-Star Game appearance in 2019 with Minnesota, where he had a career-high 15 wins. He’s 74-69 for his career with a 3.99 ERA. He’s also made at least 30 starts in four different seasons.
Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1st round of the 2008 MLB Draft, Odorizzi has 10 years of MLB experience since his debut in 2012 with the Kansas City Royals. He followed that with stints with Tampa Bay, Minnesota and Houston.
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