As the MLB hot stove slowly moves toward a brand new year, the New York Yankees are left with just one spot to fill in their lineup: their starting pitcher rotation. Only Gerrit Cole is fit enough to play throughout the upcoming season, even though the Pinstripes might have enough pitchers. Right now, they have six possible options to choose from in the free agency and trade markets.

While locking down a prospective pitcher, a team should always weigh the level of their skills against the price they are willing to pay. The Yankees might be a $7.1 billion team, but they do have a luxury tax threshold to keep their eyes on. Considering that, the first option on their list looks like a steal deal to lock down long-term.

The New York Yankees’ pitching hunt continues

Blake Snell

Blake Snell is arguably the biggest prospect left in the market at present, with a contract that could reach anywhere from $122 million for five years to $200 million for seven years (according to MLB.com). Snell struck out 234 times in 180 innings pitched this year. His ERA of 2.25 is in the lead this season, which makes his price more than worthy.

Unless Snell’s previous injury record doesn’t scare the team away, he should be their primary choice of starting pitcher. In case his value falls heavy on the Pinstripes’ shoulders, the next best option would be none other than a former Pinstriper!

Jordan Montgomery

Jordan Montgomery saw one of his best seasons this year after winning the World Series while playing for the Rangers. At 166 strikeouts and a 3.20 ERA, his predicted contract value of $140 million for six years seems reasonable. But Monty might not want to come back to the Bronx after being traded, so if the Bombers can’t clinch him, they have three prospective trade prospects to look out for.

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Corbin Burnes

While Corbin Burnes is still with the Milwaukee Brewers, the New York Yankees have enough potential in their farm system that the team can use to go after them. Burnes struck out a good 200 across 193.2 innings, and his average arbitration salary stands at $10 million, per Spotrac.

Luis Castillo

Luis Castillo comes with an average salary of $21.6 million. He is another great option in case the Pinstripes don’t sign Snell or Montgomery, since his strikeouts reached 219 in 197 innings pitched this season. But another trade option on the list looks like a steal compared to the other two.

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Dylan Cease

Dylan Cease currently earns an average of $5.7 million a year and has struck out a baffling 214 in just 144 innings. The White Sox will be demanding a high price and trade prospects if they let go of him. The last option on the list is yet to enter the free agency market but comes with a set of skills and experience that very few prospects on this list have.

Shota Imanaga

Next year, Shota Imanaga might enter free agency, according to rumors. Though MLBTR has tagged him with a high $85 million prediction for five years, his career strikeout record of 1183 across eight seasons makes it justified enough.

Who do you think should be the prime choice of the New York Yankees from the Super Six? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!