The New York Yankees continue to build their roster with one clear goal in mind: ending the Los Angeles Dodgers’ dominance in 2026 and finding their way back to a World Series championship. Before they can seriously think about that possibility, however, they must address an area that caused persistent issues last season: pitching.
While the Yankees finished as the second-best team in the American League in this department with a 94-68 record and a 3.91 ERA, constant injuries within their pitching staff prevented any real continuity on the mound. That is a problem that simply cannot be repeated heading into the next campaign.
Max Fried served as the anchor of the rotation this year, but that role came at a significant physical cost. Across 32 starts, he posted a 19-5 record, yet his workload increased as Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón dealt with injuries and surgical recoveries. Relying on scalpels and rehab timelines is not a luxury a franchise like the Yankees can afford if it expects to compete at the highest level.
The pitching hole the Yankees must fill and why Gore makes sense
Much of the conversation around the Yankees’ offseason has focused on upgrading the offense with big-name talent, including the possibility of retaining Cody Bellinger for another season or betting on a younger star such as Kyle Tucker. Still, the starting rotation remains the area that most urgently needs a meaningful upgrade.
Within that context, MacKenzie Gore’s name is gaining traction as a strategic option. The 26-year-old left-hander has already shown durability, experience, and the ability to miss bats at a high level, while also earning his first All-Star selection.
After three seasons with Washington, Gore stood out during the first half of the 2024 campaign. Although the win-loss record does not fully reflect his performance (5-15), he logged 159.2 innings, struck out 185 batters, issued 64 walks, allowed 152 hits, and surrendered 74 runs. A change of scenery could be exactly the motivation he needs to return to the form he displayed earlier, when he finished 10-12 with a 4.55 ERA across 32 appearances.
The Yankees, however, are not the only potential destination. The Washington Nationals could explore a trade with the Boston Red Sox, who are in need of a left-handed starter that has yet to fully tap into his upside. The Baltimore Orioles also remain a possible suitor, and while the rumors surrounding them carry less momentum, anything can happen during the offseason.
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