The disappointing taste of 2023 still haunts the New York Yankees. As Spring Training begins, GM Brian Cashman faces tough questions about the team’s pitching. He’s already made bullpen moves, but improvement hangs in the balance. “We’re not ‘pencils down’ by any means,” he admits in a report by The Athletic, leaving the door open for further upgrades.

The Bombers’ offense remains a powerhouse, but Cashman knows the real key lies on the mound. “You can score as much as you want,” he says, “but the pitching is always the key to the kingdom.” Will the Yankees add a major arm? Or will they gamble on developing hidden talent? The answers could define their entire season.

Despite a powerful lineup, inconsistent pitching led the New York Yankees to a fourth-place finish in the AL East last year. While Gerrit Cole anchors the rotation, injuries remain a serious concern. Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, and even potential fifth starter Clarke Schmidt could all find themselves back on the IL throughout the year.

After locking down ace Marcus Stroman, Cashman has been dodging questions about still-unsigned top free agents Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. The luxury tax presents a roadblock, making a big splash unlikely. He wouldn’t even bite on the status of these free agents: “I’ve got nothing to say about it really… Scott Boras has taken his clients into Spring Training before.”

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Talk of trading for the Chicago White Sox’ Dylan Cease lingers, even with the hefty price tag attached. Cease would solidify the top of the rotation, but the New York Yankees are reluctant to part with top prospects. With big names seemingly off the table, the team must find creative solutions; their skipper agrees.

Boone’s boon of patience on New York Yankees’ pitching woes

Manager Aaron Boone sees expanding the rotation as a potential strategy. Prospects like Will Warren, Cody Poteet, and Chase Hampton offer intriguing, if unpredictable, additions. But the missed chances on pitchers like Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is now with the LA Dodgers, leave many with the feeling that the Bombers missed a massive opportunity.

Cashman insists their work this offseason isn’t over, emphasizing, “If there are ways to improve the club, we can be open-minded to that.” His goal? Building a healthy and effective pitching staff that delivers consistently!

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Whether through surprising trades, under-the-radar signings, or giving prospects a chance to shine, improvement still feels possible for the iconic New York Yankees. After the bitter disappointment of 2023, even small reinforcements could turn into a big difference as the legendary franchise seeks a path back to contender status this season.