The Yankees can chase Tarik Skubal if they want to, but the bigger question is whether that’s the smartest place to spend their money.
Skubal is one of baseball’s elite arms, and the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner would upgrade almost any rotation. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projects him for an eight-year, $352 million deal that would average $44 million per season. That kind of contract would be a monster commitment for any club, and for the Yankees it would pile onto an already expensive pitching group.
New York’s rotation was already a strength in 2026. The Yankees led MLB with a 3.30 starter ERA during the regular season, then posted a 2.63 ERA across five postseason games. Pitching was not the reason their October run ended early.
The bigger issue was everything around it.
Against Tampa Bay, the Yankees made four errors in Game 2, including three in the first inning behind Schlittler. The offense also struggled to cash in on chances, and the lineup again looked too dependent on the home run. Those are the kinds of problems that don’t disappear just because another ace takes the mound every fifth day.
That’s why the Yankees’ current pitching inventory matters so much. Under team control heading into 2027, they already have Schlittler, Fried, Rodon and Cole, with Weathers and Warren adding depth.
Schlittler, in particular, has become one of the most intriguing young pitchers in the sport. The 25-year-old AL Cy Young finalist finished 2026 with 239 strikeouts over 193⅔ innings, a 0.92 WHIP and a 2.56 FIP.
Carlos Lagrange is in the mix too. His fastball can touch 103 mph, and even though the organization moved him to relief during 2026, the Yankees still see him as a possible long-term starter.
There are real concerns in that group, especially with age and injury history. But the answer to that isn’t automatically another nine-figure contract.
Skubal turns 30 in November and has already gone through multiple elbow procedures, including Tommy John surgery in college, flexor tendon surgery in 2022 and another procedure in 2026. The talent is obvious.
The risk is, too.
The financial side is just as loud. The Yankees have already committed $324 million to Cole, $218 million to Fried and $162 million to Rodon.
Add Skubal, and those four pitchers would carry roughly $1.06 billion in original guarantees. Those deals don’t line up neatly on the same timeline, but the point is clear: New York is already pouring an enormous amount into its rotation.
There’s also the matter of what comes next. Cole and Rodon are under contract through 2028, and their combined $63 million in annual salary is set to come off the books before Paul Skenes could reach free agency after the 2029 season. That doesn’t mean Skenes will hit the market or land with the Yankees, but his timeline is exactly why preserving flexibility matters.
If the Yankees are going to spend, the priority should be elsewhere.
David Bednar is the most obvious name. He converted 35 of 39 save chances in 2026, finished with a 2.47 ERA and struck out 76 batters in 69⅓ innings.
New York extended him a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer, but that doesn’t ensure he stays. He has until November 17 to accept or decline, and the Yankees could still wind up in a bidding war for their closer.
Bullpen depth beyond that also needs attention, especially with left-handers Tim Hill and Ryan Yarbrough hitting free agency. The Yankees also need more production and steadiness at second and third base, plus a right-handed bat to help balance the lineup. Catching depth and outfield stability are on the list as well.
That’s the heart of the argument against a Skubal pursuit. He would be a headline move, no doubt. But the Yankees don’t need another expensive ace nearly as much as they need a more complete roster - one with better defense, more reliable run production and a bullpen they can trust.
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