Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported that the Yankees have “checked in” on left-handed pitcher Travis Wood. Though Heyman writes that the Yankees have contacted representatives, it does not seem like there have been much discussions between the two sides.
Yanks have checked in on travis wood, but don’t necessarily seem at forefront of talks at moment.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 7, 2017
Wood, coming off the World Series win with the Chicago Cubs, could serve as a potential rotation arm or another left-hander coming out of the bullpen. The 30-year-old worked strictly out of the bullpen for the Cubs but has starting experience. He has started 133 games and has eclipsed 30 games started twice in his career, both while with the Cubs.
Last season, Wood finished with a 2.95 earned run average in 77 games. In 1.2 innings in the World Series, Wood gave up one run on two hits.
The Yankees have been keeping tabs on a number of players, and with so much uncertainty in the rotation and front end of the bullpen, it makes sense for the team to see what it’ll take to get Wood.
With Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda and CC Sabathia all but set for the first three spots in the rotation, the back end is up for grabs with five players competing for two spots.
