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By Shaun McAvoy
Contributing Sports Writer
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The New York Yankees will be getting a massive upgrade to their starting rotation next season with the return of Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, but still may target a pitcher this offseason.
The Yankees' starting rotation will not be at full strength to begin the season, with Cole and Rodón expected to have delayed starts as they work their ways back from injury. Cam Schlittler delivered for New York in the postseason, but the rookie hurler does not have a lot of experience. There are many pitching options the team could target in free agency, including former Yankees pitcher Michael King.
King, 30, transitioned into a starting role with the San Diego Padres after spending the first five seasons of his career with the Yankees. Though he has flourished in his two seasons with the Padres, MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan urged New York not to pursue a reunion with King in free agency.
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"All of that is to say that the Yankees may want to consider adding a starting pitcher this offseason, even if re-signing Cody Bellinger is currently their top priority," Harrigan wrote Friday. "King is coming off an injury-plagued campaign and has just one season as a healthy, full-time starter on his résumé, so he may not be the ideal fit for a team seeking more rotation certainty.
"King could also cost upwards of $20 million per year on a multiyear contract -- the deals signed by Nathan Eovaldi (three years, $75 million), Sean Manaea (three years, $75 million) and Yusei Kikuchi (three years, $63 million) last offseason are reasonable comps. With other needs to address, a lower-priced option might be preferable for New York."
King is projected to sign a three-year, $75 million contract, per Jim Bowden of The Athletic. Though bringing back King would be a big addition, the Yankees have other priorities this offseason and should not prioritize a reunion with the 30-year-old pitcher.
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