The New York Yankees have made starting pitching their top priority this offseason, but have so far missed on their targets. That may force them to look to the trade market for solutions.
The Yankees have had discussions about trading for Miami Marlins pitcher Jesus Luzardo and Cleveland Guardians pitcher Shane Bieber, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. They have also checked in with the Chicago White Sox on Dylan Cease, but find the current asking price to be too high.
Neither Luzardo nor Bieber really qualifies as an ace, but both would improve the New York rotation. Luzardo had a 3.58 ERA with the Marlins in 2023. Bieber, a former Cy Young winner, posted a 3.80 mark for Cleveland, though he was troubled by injuries and saw his strikeout numbers plummet.
The Yankees will need to go above and beyond if they want to land a top pitcher like Cease. If they are not willing to do so, they will have to turn to the free-agent market or accept a lesser pitcher. One intriguing option remains on the market, but as far as free agency is concerned, the Yankees seem to be quite picky about who they want.
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