The New York Yankees struck a big blow by getting their hands on star outfielder Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres.
But the work is far from finished with a starting rotation that is sorely lacking in depth at the moment. Behind ace Gerrit Cole, question marks take place.
And to revamp the corps of starters, it could be expensive, even very expensive. But this is the price to pay for competitive training and there is no question of saving money every penny like in 2023.
The Yankees were interested in bringing Frankie Montas back to the Bronx, but the right-hander agreed to a one-year, $16 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds last Saturday, according to Jon Heyman of the New YorkPost.
There is, however, another former member of the Bombers who would be a less risky, but much more expensive option to fill the hole in the rotation, namely Jordan Montgomery.
The Yankees are not alone in the Derbysince the New York Mets, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers are also in the dance.
The Boston Red Sox would also be contenders, but considering the blatant stinginess plaguing Massachusetts, we can doubt it.
This therefore means that the team that gets their hands on the left-hander will overpay to acquire his services. The Yankees can't afford to miss out on Montgomery or Blake Snell, however.
A year after the Bronx Bombers signed Carlos Rodon to a six-year, $162 million contract, Montgomery is set to sign a similar contract.
Owner Hal Steinbrenner needs to get out the checkbook, and fast.
