The New York Yankees are gearing up for a challenging start to the season, especially with injuries sidelining key pitchers like ace Gerrit Cole. With Max Fried and others stepping up, the absence of an ace leaves a noticeable gap in their rotation.
Addressing this, the Yankees have prioritized bolstering their starting pitching. With both Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole set to miss the beginning of the 2026 season due to elbow issues, there's at least one spot open in the rotation alongside Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, and Will Warren.
In their search for reinforcements, the Yankees have been exploring various options, including a potential trade for the Chicago Cubs' Edwin Cabrera. Cabrera, a talented pitcher with a 3.53 ERA last year, is drawing interest from multiple teams, thanks to the Marlins' pitching depth which allows them to consider moving him.
Another intriguing option for the Yankees is Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins. Despite trade rumors swirling around him last summer and winter, Ryan remains with the Twins.
However, he could still be a valuable trade target. With two years of control remaining, Ryan offers both skill and stability, making him an attractive option for teams looking to strengthen their rotations.
The Yankees are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead in managing the first couple of months without their top pitchers. Acquiring a pitcher like Ryan could provide the stability they need to weather the storm until their key arms return. This potential move is one that could significantly bolster their chances as they aim to remain competitive early in the season.