Yankees have reportedly shown interest in two ace-caliber arms originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It almost feels like some are glossing over the fact that the New York Yankees probably need another starter or two heading into the regular season in 2026.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith Gerrit Cole working back from an injury and Carlos Rodon expected to miss Opening Day, the Yankees have a lot to figure out on the mound.
Of course, when healthy, the rotation should be in solid shape, but having more pitching is never a bad thing.
According to the latest from Brian Murphy of MLB.com, the Yankees have some level of interest in a few starters around the league. One of them is a reunion with former starter and reliever Michael King.
“But health and workload are a little uncertain within that group right now. Cole is coming back from his 2025 Tommy John surgery, and he will miss Opening Day along with Rodón, who had a bone spur removed from his throwing elbow in October. Fried is fresh off the first 200-inning season of his career (postseason included).
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Gil, who underwent TJ in 2022, was limited to just 57 regular-season innings this year due to a right lat strain suffered in Spring Training. Schlittler, a postseason star in his debut year, has just 87 1/3 Major League innings under his belt. And Schmidt will miss most of 2026 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in July. The Yankees re-signed southpaw swingman Ryan Yarbrough, but another impact arm should be on their to-do list. The club has expressed interest in Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai and former Yankees pitcher Michael King,” he wrote.
King was used as a reliever during his time with the Yankees, but he was traded to the San Diego Padres in the deal for Juan Soto and started every game there.
He was very good for San Diego, but there are some injury concerns to consider.
If the price is right, though, signing him would be wise.
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