New York Yankees In Hot Pursuit of Former Phillies Starter
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The New York Yankees are in need of additional starting pitching. That much is clear.
No one can replace ace Gerrit Cole but you can try and mitigate his absence for a couple of months.
While many fans are clamoring for the Yankees to go after two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, it appears New York's front office would rather not spend the type of exorbitant money that Snell and his agent Scott Boras are trying to extract from clubs.
Instead, they could be turning to former Philadelphia Phillies starter Michael Lorenzen according to USA Today.
Lorenzen has reportedly rejected multiple offers in the $5-7 million range, something the Yankees should easily be able to easily beat on a one-year deal. The righty made the transition from the bullpen to the rotation just two seasons ago after joining the Los Angeles Angels from the Cincinnati Reds and is still trying to establish himself as a legitimate starter in the league.
He made his case during the 2023 MLB season when he made his first MLB All-Star roster and then threw a no-hitter against the Washington Nationals.
During the 2023 MLB season, Lorenzen posted a 4.18 ERA with a 1.209 WHIP between the Detroit Tigers and the Phillies. However, while he threw the no-hitter while with Philadelphia, Lorenzen struggled mightily down the stretch. Those struggles may be why he currently remains unsigned and questions about his durability as a starter continue to be asked.
New York could be a perfect fit for Lorenzen who will be afforded the opportunity to start, prove his stuff and walk away with a payday. Meanwhile, the Yankees get an affordable option to help mitigate the loss of Cole.
And once Cole returns Lorenzen will then head the back of the rotation, which instantly improves New York's roster.
