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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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The New York Yankees are the only team in the American League East that, as of Wednesday morning, had not made a move either in free agency or through a trade.
Pressure is building on Brian Cashman to make a move and bolster the roster that won 94 games last season. There are multiple areas in which the Bronx Bombers could look to in order to land some reinforcements, one of those being the starting rotation. Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon won't be back for opening day along with Clarke Schmidt, so New York could certainly use more depth.
As free agency continues, former general manager Jim Bowden believes San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King could be the best fit to improve the Yankees' staff before next season.
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"King is the most undervalued pitcher on the market and I predict he will provide the best bang for the buck among this year’s free-agent starters," Bowden wrote for The Athletic. "He has great makeup, nasty stuff and really knows how to pitch. If he can stay healthy, he has the talent to be a Cy Young contender. However, he’s coming off of an injury-plagued season, which may lead to him taking a shorter deal with a higher AAV and opt outs on both sides. Best matches: 1. Yankees 2. Mets 3. Orioles."
Insider Kiley McDaniel predicted on Dec. 4 that King would sign a three-year deal worth $57 million this winter, an average annual value of $19 million. While he won't be the most expensive pitcher on the market, this deal aligns with Bowden's prediction for a shorter deal. If the second part of Bowden's thoughts come true with the higher AAV, it's possible this deal could look similar to the one Edwin Diaz signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
King would fit in well with the Yankees as he could go out and consistently pitch five to six innings for the Yankees in the early part of the season. Once Cole and Rodon return, manager Aaron Boone could move him to the bullpen if necessary based on how King's season is going.
Signing the 30-year-old pitcher would be a great first move for the Yankees, and it would give the fans some hope that the organization truly is looking to add to what it had last season.
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