Yankees have 2 clear potential free agent pivots after DJ LeMahieu, Luis Gil injuries
As if spring training has not dragged on long enough, Yankee fans will now be clamoring for it to come to an end even sooner after the injury news of the past few days. Reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil shut down a bullpen session after feeling some tightness, and is heading to the Injured List with a high-grade lat strain. DJ LeMahieu, who is being counted on to return to his pre-2023 form, is once again shut down with a calf injury. Gil will not throw for at least six weeks.
Thankfully, the team’s pitching depth should be able to sustain an absence from Gil, with Marcus Stroman likely to occupy a rotation spot in the meantime. Stroman has been in the news a bit of late, with the offseason-long trade rumors leading the veteran to declare he would not pitch out of the bullpen.
Stroman and Will Warren, who has displayed an electric arsenal in spring training, are the likely competitors for the vacant spot. Warren spins a double-plus slider and runs his fastball in to the upper 90s. Clearly, Warren would be the long-term internal answer, but Stroman’s public stance likely tanked his trade value.
Should Brian Cashman and company look to free agency, Kyle Gibson appears to be the best option. Gibson was perfectly fine last season with St. Louis, posting a 4.42 FIP and 9.4% walk rate despite a career low average fastball velocity of 91.6 mph. Gibson and Stroman share a ton of similarities in pitching style, with a lot of movement and reliance on soft contact. Gibson would come with a (likely) lower pay day, and his signing is likely contingent on Stroman being moved.
