Ex-Cy Young Award Winner Available; Surprising Yankees Could Make Move To Improve Rotation

Should the Yankees take a shot with a former Cy Young Award winner?

Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees seem to be looking for a postseason spot.

New York is in an interesting position. The Yankees are three-and-a-half games out of an American League Wild Card spot but opted not to sell ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline. New York reportedly was interested in trading some of its upcoming free agents but didn't end up dealing any and instead added hard-throwing relief pitcher Keynan Middleton from the Chicago White Sox.

The Yankees may not currently hold a postseason spot, but the club is getting healthier and now has star slugger Aaron Judge back in the fold. New York may not end up nabbing a playoff spot, but it sounds like they at least are going to try. The Yankees were linked to seemingly all starting pitchers available ahead of the trade deadline but didn't end up adding any. Although that is the case, they still could improve their rotation. One potential option could be former Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel who recently opted out of his contract with the Minnesota Twins and now is a free agent, according to The Athletic's Britt Ghiroli. 

"Dallas Keuchel has officially opted out of his contract with the Twins," Ghiroli said.

Keuchel has yet to pitch in the big leagues this season but impressed at the minor league level. The 35-year-old made six starts with the Triple-A St. Paul Saints and compiled an impressive 1.13 ERA before opting out of his contract. The big lefty signed a minor league deal with Minnesota earlier this season and now will be looking for a new home.

He may have struggled over the last two seasons, but his performance in the minor leagues this season shows that he may be able to help out a big-league club at least in the back of the rotation. Keuchel is an 11-year big league veteran and has a career 3.98 ERA. At one point he was one of the best left-handed pitchers in baseball and racked up two All-Star appearances and five Gold Glove Awards, along with the 2015 American League Cy Young Award. He may not be a star any longer, but he may have some gas left in the tank and could help the Yankees as they look to gain ground in the standings.