The *New York Yankees* are heading into a crucial offseason, with free agent superstar *Juan Soto* topping their list of priorities. However, their plans extend beyond Soto, as they also aim to strengthen their infield and add pitching depth.
The Yankees have been linked to several top-tier pitchers in this year’s free agent market, including *Blake Snell*, *Max Fried*, and *Corbin Burnes*.
In his predictions, Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer suggests that instead of targeting a top ace, the Yankees may opt to bolster their rotation in an unexpected way—by signing Justin Verlander to a one-year, $15 million deal.
Rymer notes that Verlander, who started 2024 on the injured list and struggled to find his rhythm after returning, could be viewed as a potential reclamation project.
Despite a dip in his fastball velocity (93.5 mph) and an increased contact rate (81.0 percent), Verlander still believes he has more to offer. Rymer writes, “There won’t be much downside in a team paying to find out,” though he adds that the Yankees should have other options ready in case Verlander’s struggles mark the start of a decline.
While adding Verlander could be a worthwhile gamble as a bounce-back candidate, the predicted $15 million price tag may not be the best investment for the Yankees, especially with other pressing needs.
With holes to fill at second base, first base, and in the bullpen, spending that much on a pitcher who may be past his prime could be a misallocation of resources. A deal worth just a couple of million dollars might make more sense, but $15 million could prove to be a costly gamble when the Yankees have other areas to address.
