The Yankees’ utmost goal last offseason was to stay under the luxury tax. And now they’re paying the price.
Despite featuring a star-studded core, New York opted to fill out its starting rotation with bargains and fliers. So far, the results have been disastrous. Yankees’ starters not named “Gerrit Cole” have amassed a 6.06 ERA this season, surrendering 22 earned runs in 32.2 innings. The latest blow came Tuesday when Jameson Taillon, who missed all of last season after undergoing surgery to repair an injured flexor tendon, gave up five earned runs in just 3.2 frames.
The Blue Jays defeated the Yankees 7-3, dropping the Bombers to one game below .500.
There’s been a lot of caterwauling around these parts about the Red Sox’s goal to get under the luxury tax, leading to the unforgivable trade of Mookie Betts. But it’s clear the Red Sox have a plan: Chaim Bloom is restocking the organization while the next wave of prospects develop. For two decades, this ownership group has shown they’re willing to spend on a World Series winner. Even in a bridge year, the Red Sox are still shelling out more than $200 million on payroll. They've won seven straight.
The Yankees, however, have been more conservative since Hank and Hal Steinbrenner took over control. While they’ve pulled off plenty of big moves — trading for Giancarlo Stanton, signing Cole for $324 million — they’ve failed to build a complete roster. The end result is a great lineup with a patchwork rotation.
Instead of signing Trevor Bauer or even trading for Lance Lynn, the Yankees inked Corey Kluber to a one-year deal. The two-time Cy Young winner is recovering from a fractured forearm and a torn teres major muscle, which caused him to miss most of 2019 and virtually all of 2020. He’s posted a 5.68 ERA in two starts, giving up 10 hits in 6.1 innings.
Besides Kluber, the Yankees are also counting on left-hander Jordan Montgomery, who’s thrown just 86 innings since 2018 — including his two starts this season.
It’s apparent the Yankees are also hoping Luis Severino can be a difference maker, which is a risky endeavor, considering the 27-year-old is coming off Tommy John surgery. He opened the year on the 60-day injured list.
There are other problems afflicting the Yankees: they’ve grounded into 15 double plays; Aaron Judge and DJ Lemahieu aren’t hitting; Gary Sanchez continues to commit unforgivable brain farts. But we know those problems will probably fix themselves. There is a lot of talent in that lineup.
But the same can’t be said for the rotation. In this case, you get what you pay for.
