The silence has been loud from the Yankees front office this offseason as they have failed to support their depleting rotation depth. Some might say the lack of moves has been surprising, but true Yankees fans understand the stubbornness and lack of urgency that Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner possess.
After the extremely disappointing outcome from the Yoshinobu Yamamoto race, the Yankees were left empty handed of their next pitching superstar to compliment Gerrit Cole. While the Yankees still haven't landed anyone of that tier, they finally coughed up some potential depth.
The Yankees decided to break the seal in free agency by signing RHP Cody Poteet to a one-year Major League contract. Bringing Poteet on board was a crucial move after the team had lost Domingo Germán (cut), Michael King (Soto trade), Randy Vásquez (Soto trade), Frankie Montas (Reds), and Jhony Brito (Soto trade) and Luis Severino (Mets) to the free agency market.
The #Yankees have announced the signing of RHP Cody Poteet to a one-year MLB contract. Poteet missed most of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He projects to compete as a depth option.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) January 5, 2024
Poteet isn't the star many hoped for, but he will be a solid addition. In 2023, Poteet only made one minor league start as he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, in Poteet's two years in the majors with the Miami Marlins (2021-22), he had a 2-4 record, 4.45 ERA (19 games, 58.2 innings pitched), 48 hits, 29 runs (all earned runs), 53 strikeouts and 27 walks.
In the minors, Poteet has made 104 appearances with 100 starts over parts of eight minor league seasons. During that time Poteet had a 19-39 record, 3.80 ERA with 503 hits allowed, 256 runs, 220 earned runs, 163 walks, 413 strikeouts and 42 home runs.
Cody Poteet features a plus plus changeup as you can see here. Looks like a repeatable delivery, change dives hard down and in to righties, down and away to lefties sitting 87-88. Heater up to 95. Slider has a nice little wrinkle to it. Solid project for Blake pic.twitter.com/FSkiExF5xT
— Jonny's Lasagna ⚾️ (@JLasagna43) January 4, 2024
While there is no guarantee Poteet will be in the starting rotation, it is possible that he will have the opportunity to compete for a spot come spring training.
Currently the Yankees are left with a broken rotation, only returning Cole, Clark Schmidt, Carlos Rodón and Nestor Cortes. With Rodón and Cortes having significant injuries in 2023, there is no guarantee that they will be available all season, making the Poteet signing extremely important.
Hopefully the Yankees are not done when it comes to improving their rotation. Currently there are several great options/routes the Yankees could take to increasing their chances for championship number 28.
Plenty of star power still on the market ♨️ pic.twitter.com/cIz16NwzPe
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 3, 2024
Here are three players that would be smart signings:
Jordan Montgomery: A name that is very familiar in the Bronx could be making a reunion in the big apple. After a stellar 2023 season with the Rangers and Cardinals, Montgomery recorded a 3.20 ERA, 177 hits, 75 runs, 67 earned runs, 18 home runs, 166 strikeouts and 48 walks in 32 games and starts (188.2 innings). On top of the stats, Montgomery has expressed interest in returning to the Bronx.
Blake Snell: The San Diego star was excellent in 2023, recording a 2.25 ERA, 47 runs, 45 earned runs, 234 strikeouts and 99 walks, while surrendering just 15 home runs and 115 hits in 32 games and starts (180 innings). Rumor has it that the Yankees have expressed interest about Snell, but actions speak louder than words.
Clayton Kershaw: Another west coast stud could be an excellent addition in the Bronx. In 2023 Kershaw recorded a 2.46 ERA, 100 hits, 39 runs, 36 earned runs, 19 home runs, 137 strikeouts and 40 walks in 24 games and starts (131.2 innings). Adding Kershaw would be a stretch, considering he already has other options, but is possible he would not disappoint.
Bonus: Dylan Cease: Cease is not a free agent so a trade for players or cash would have to be made, however he is on the younger side with a bright future. In 2023, Cease had a bit of a down year but still produced, with a 4.58 ERA, 172 hits, 98runs, 90 earned runs, 19 home runs, 214 strikeouts and 79 walks. With a total career ERA of 3.83 having Cease on the roster in New York would be a bonus to Cole and Cortes.
The clock is ticking for the Yankees as spring training is slowly approaching. Will the big men in the front office make some much-needed moves?
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