Yankees Reportedly Could Land Ex-Cardinals Fireballer This Winter

New York could look to nab a young fireballer this offseason to bolster its bullpen

The New York Yankees will be busy this offseason but may not make just the big, splashy moves. 

New York has been linked to stars like Orix Buffaloes ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger, or San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto, but the Yankees will need to add more than just one or two players. The Yankees have money to spend and need to use it after winning just 82 games in 2023. 

The Yankees had the best bullpen in baseball this season but could look to add to it this offseason and one hurler who the club was listed as one of the best fits for is current Toronto Blue Jays and former St. Louis Cardinals fireballer Jordan Hicks, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden.

"Jordan Hicks was finally healthy this season and back to throwing in the triple digits," Bowden said. "The Blue Jays acquired him from the Cardinals at the trade deadline and he pitched well for them, posting a 2.63 ERA over 25 appearances including four saves. Overall, he made 66 appearances and registered 12 saves, putting up a 3.29 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 65 2/3 innings. 

"Best fits: (Houston Astros), (Texas Rangers), Blue Jays, Yankees, (Atlanta Braves), (San Diego Padres), and (Los Angeles Dodgers). Contract prediction: three years, $30 million."

Hicks would be an underrated signing if the Yankees could make a move. He had arguably the best season of his big league career so far in 2023 and is just 27 years old. Plus, if the Yankees could sign him for the three-year, $30 million deal Bowden predicted, he would be a steal. New York's bullpen already is one of its biggest strengths but adding someone like Hicks could help it get even better.