Hot dogs and hope filled the air last season at Yankee Stadium, yet this offseason, an unsettling quiet lingers. Despite locking in Marcus Stroman on a $37 million deal, the starting rotation remains a patchwork quilt, stitched together with question marks. Let’s dissect the New York Yankees’ pitching conundrum and explore their options, from the farm system to free agency and the trade market.

As SNY TV points out, the Yankees’ farm system isn’t exactly barren. Chase Hampton, Will Warren, and Clayton Beeter could emerge as spot starters. Remember the heroics of Luis Gil, Jhony Brito, and Randy Vasquez? These homegrown heroes offer a glimmer of hope, but can they translate their flashes of brilliance into consistent contributions?

Is there an answer to the New York Yankees’ rotation conundrum?

While it will give them a chance to step up and silence the doubters for the young guns, the aroma of freshly cut grass might not be the only thing missing in this Spring Training. The free-agent market presents a tempting yet risky smorgasbord of options. Big names like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery remain unsigned.

Snell’s fiery fastball comes at a price of $270 million, which might exceed the New York Yankees’ comfort zone. They could only offer $150 million as an answer to him, which was swiftly rejected. On the other hand, Montgomery’s contract demands could lead to a stalemate.

Veterans like Liam Hendriks offer experience, but will they be able to bolster the rotation? And then there are the impending trade talks, reaching an almost stale status.

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The trade market simmers with possibilities, offering potential solutions but demanding hefty premiums. Cleveland Guardians’ flamethrower, Emmanuel Clase, could solidify the closer role, while Dylan Cease is a tantalizing option despite the Chicago White Sox’ exorbitant asking price in prospects. The question remains: Will the Bombers take a run at any of the available options—in-house and beyond?

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The bottom line

The New York Yankees, desperate to plug the holes in their pitching staff, might just be the “exact fate” Chicago has been waiting for—a team willing to meet their demands. But will they be able to strike a deal without mortgaging their future?

Read More: EXCLUSIVE: Chicago Cubs’ Senior Pitching Coordinator Lauds Marcus Stroman, Opens Up on 2X All-Star’s Impressive Body Control

The Bombers might have addressed some needs with Stroman, but the starting rotation remains a gaping hole. Homegrown options are unproven, free agency is a gamble, and trades come with the option of losing homegrown talents.

Can the New York Yankees find the right arms to silence the doubters and recapture their “Starting Pitching Capital of the World” title? Only time and General Manager Brian Cashman’s wheeling and dealings will tell.