The Yankees’ rotation puzzle seems to be solved-for now.
After weeks of speculation and a few high-profile names floating around the rumor mill, it looks like the Bronx Bombers are standing pat with what they’ve got heading into the 2026 season. The club had been linked to potential trades for Freddy Peralta and MacKenzie Gore, but those doors have officially closed. Peralta is now with the Mets, and Gore has landed with the defending champion Texas Rangers.
One name that had fans buzzing was Tarik Skubal. The Tigers’ ace-and back-to-back AL Cy Young winner-is the kind of arm that could instantly transform a rotation.
And yes, the Yankees made the call. But according to reports, the conversation didn’t go far.
Detroit’s asking price was sky-high, and the Yankees weren’t willing to pay it.
It’s not hard to understand why. Skubal is a premium left-handed starter in his prime, and even though he and the Tigers are currently at odds over arbitration numbers, Detroit holds the leverage.
With free agency looming, Skubal is a tempting trade chip. But the Tigers aren’t going to move him unless someone absolutely blows them away-and the Yankees weren’t that team.
As one insider put it, “Tarik Skubal is super elite, and the Tigers are well within their rights to expect a huge return if they surprise us and deal him.” The Yankees, along with the Mets, reportedly realized quickly that they weren’t going to meet those demands.
So what does this mean for the Yankees’ rotation? Well, it means they’re rolling into spring training without their two biggest arms.
Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón are both on the mend following surgeries, and there’s no clear timetable for their return. Clarke Schmidt, who underwent Tommy John surgery last July, could be back later in the season, but that’s far from a guarantee.
In the meantime, the Yankees will lean on a mix of young arms and depth pieces to carry the load. It’s not ideal, but it’s where they are.
The front office clearly explored its options. They kicked the tires on some big names, but ultimately, they weren’t willing to mortgage the future for a short-term fix-especially not with a price tag like Skubal’s. And while that might frustrate fans hoping for a splash, it’s a sign the Yankees are playing the long game.
Now, it’s up to the current group to hold the line until reinforcements arrive. If they can stay afloat and get healthy at the right time, this rotation could still be dangerous down the stretch. But make no mistake-without Cole, Rodón, and Schmidt, the margin for error is razor-thin.