The Dodgers‘ World Series championship has sent a clear message to their competitors: they will have to work harder if they want to compete with the Los Angeles team, and New York has taken note of that. It turns out that the Yankees are ready to compete again and try to dethrone Ohtani and company, so they are already looking for options to add to the squad
The disastrous performance of the Yankees‘ pitching staff after Gerrit Cole‘s injury last season left a clear lesson: the rotation needs elite depth. With Cole, the team’s ace, making steady progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, the front office is focused on surrounding him with talent that can compete with the National League powerhouses.
The well-known starter the Yankees are aiming for next season
The Yankees know they need to add a high-caliber player to compete again, and the target is an old acquaintance. Rumors point to a possible, and costly, reunion that would put a smile on the fans’ faces, as it would be about the return of Michael King.
King, who was traded to the Padres in the deal that brought Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to New York, has proven to be a significant loss for the club. The right-hander had a spectacular transformation in 2024, establishing himself as a reliable starter in San Diego. His impressive numbers, including an ERA close to 3.00 and a seventh-place finish in the National League Cy Young voting, allowed him to decline his mutual option with the Padres and declare free agency.
While his performance makes him an ideal candidate to bolster the rotation, cost is a crucial factor. King could command a contract of around $23 million a year, according to Spotrac projections. The question for the Yankees’ front office is whether they are willing to pay such a high premium for a pitcher they know well, especially when competition in the rotation is already high. Nonetheless, in a year where the team is looking to become a contender again, a healthy and improved King could be the move that generates pitching stability.
Yankees look to strengthen other positions
In addition to the starting rotation, the Yankees’ sights are also set on the unbalanced bullpen. The need for reliable and experienced arms is evident, and management is considering several alternatives that could come via trade.
Two names stand out on the list of targets. The first is David Bednar, the Pirates’ closer, a 30-year-old right-hander with stellar numbers (2.19 ERA). The Pirates have been reluctant to trade him, but this offseason could be the time. Acquiring him would cost a high price, as he is an important player, but there is nothing to lose in trying.
The second option, and perhaps more accessible, is the left-handed pitcher Danny Coulombe of the Twins. Coulombe has held hitters to a .188 average this season. His profile as an effective left-handed reliever capable of neutralizing hitting could be the missing link that the Yankees’ bullpen needs to avoid repeating last year’s stumbles and complete the roster for a competitive 2026.
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