James Paxton pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. (Photo : Getty Images/Bob Levey)
The New York Yankees have made it clear that their priority this offseason is to add pitching to the rotation and bullpen. The latest rumors suggest that the Yankees should try to get James Paxton or Patrick Corbin via trade this offseason.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told the New York Post in an interview that their focus this winter is to add pitchers. He added that he would look first at free agents before diving in the trade market full of potential targets.
"I would just tell you the areas we would like to focus on is pitching, bullpen and starting pitching. I think the biggest focus will be pitching, pitching, pitching. If the winds of change come in, we will pursuit it. All clubs know we are open-minded and aggressive. We are open to any idea that serves us. We will see where it takes us," Cashman said.
Some of the rumored names the Yankees have been linked before the season ended are Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen. Both are lights out closers with Rich Hill and Jeremy Hellickson being the top two starters in a very thin free agent market.
According to Alec Gilfillan of Pinstripe Alley, the Yankees will find rotation help on the trade market. He pointed out that New York has the prospects to get an ace like Chris Sale but there cheaper options like Paxton and Corbin.
Paxton, who had the best season of his career this year, is a left-handed starter for the Seattle Mariners. He had a 6-7 record with a 3.79 ERA and 117 strikeouts in just 121 innings pitched.
The downside to the 28-year-old pitcher is his health as he has missed a lot of games due to injury his four major league seasons. It should be noted that the Yankees tried trading outfielder Brett Gardner for Paxton last season and look for Cashman to revisit that trade.
On the other hand, Corbin is a 27-year-old starting pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks and he also throws left-handed. He had a down year this season as he only posted a 5-13 record with 5.15 ERA and 131 strikeouts.
However, Corbin is only two years removed from being an All-Star for the Diamondbacks. He missed the entire 2014 season due to Tommy John surgery which means he has two full years of recovery to get his rhythm back.
The Yankees still have several young pitchers like Luis Severino, Luis Cessa, Bryan Mitchell and Chad Green but they are not a sure thing. Nevertheless, expect Cashman and the Yankees to be active in the trade market this offseason.
Check out the video below to see Paxton record a career-high 10 strikeouts in a game against the Cleveland Indians.
