Brian Cashman followed Marcus Stroman after the righty’s introductory press conference on Thursday, and while he voiced his confidence in the Yankee rotation as constructed, he didn’t rule out there being another press conference for another starter at some point this year.
“I think our team overall is gonna be a constant evolution,” Cashman said. “We have a very strong team in my opinion, but we always look to try to improve upon it where we can and when we can. I think we have a good rotation if everything goes right, which we know is something you don't want to count on and lay back counting on. so we’ll constantly continue to look and tinker if possible. But we do like what we have at the same time. We have a lot of bases covered with guys, but at the same time, it’s 162 games right in front of us.
“We have to make sure there is enough coverage and comfort…you’re never supposed to have enough coverage and comfort. You’re always supposed to think you need more. If we run into any opportunities that make enough sense, it’s a possibility. Otherwise, we do like what we have.”
The rotation as constructed would be headlined by Gerrit Cole, followed by Carlos Rodon and Stroman. Rodon represents a big question mark after last year’s disastrous debut season, but Cashman spoke highly of Rodon’s motivation to bounce back in 2024, noting that he reported to camp in Tampa early, and has looked strong so far.
“[We are] very optimistic that Rodon can return to form,” Cashman said. “And be the pitcher we know he's capable of being.”
As for the lineup, Cashman said the same of Giancarlo Stanton, who had a disastrous 2023 campaign but is in “a really good place” with his offseason conditioning, via Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, as he looks to end the streak of injury-riddled seasons that have plagued him since 2019.
Cashman also added that star prospect Jasson Dominguez is expected to be back “sometime in the summer” as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
Those outcomes would all be best-case scenarios, as the Yankees seem to be heading into 2024 with plenty of question marks, a familiar refrain from seasons past. But Cashman says the Yanks will continue looking at options to shore up those questions.
“No one is handing us a trophy. We need to go earn it,” Cashman said. “And the only way to do that is have the most talent and the most insurance policies you can possibly have within reason.”
