Underrated Fireballer Reportedly Could Return To Yankees In Surprise Move

New York has some serious decisions to make this offseason about the roster

The New York Yankees' biggest roster question marks currently are in the starting rotation.

What will the club look like in 2024? After winning just 82 games in 2023, the roster isn't so clear. New York entered the season with one of the best rotations on paper but injuries and inconsistent play changed things. Now, the Yankees likely will be in the market to improve the rotation but one familiar face in Frankie Montas reportedly could make sense to return despite injuries, according to the New York Daily News Sports' Gary Phillips.

"The same logic could apply to Montas, as the Yankees have gotten just 41 innings out of the righty since trading for him two summers ago," Phillips said. "That included just one game on the penultimate day of the 2023 season after shoulder surgery all but erased Montas’ walk year. However, Aaron Boone and Matt Blake didn’t rule out reuniting with the 30-year-old Montas, who made a strong impression while working with younger players as he rehabbed in Tampa. An incentive-laden deal could be a worthwhile risk for a pitcher of Montas’ caliber, and the Yankees could use some rotation depth."

Montas is an intriguing back-of-the-rotation free agent option. New York likely will aim high and could even land a top arm like Orix Buffaloes ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but landing Montas on a small deal could be important. New York dealt with a plethora of injuries in 2023 -- including to Montas -- and didn't have the depth needed to keep the team afloat. The Yankees need top arms but need to make sure they have depth. Montas has a career 3.90 ERA in eight big league seasons and if healthy, would be a solid depth option.

It's unclear what will happen, but Montas could be back next season.