Even after re-signing C.C. Sabathia, the New York Yankees continue to look to add an additional starting pitcher to their rotation.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Yankees are scouting Patrick Corbin from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Olney notes that the Bronx Bombers have been “digging” into the background of the 28-year-old left-hander.
The Yankees have been digging into background/scouting on Diamondbacks lefty Patrick Corbin, one of the starting pitching options they’ve considered. He had a strong second half in 2017; eligible for FA after 2018.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 18, 2017
Corbin is an interesting trade candidate for the Yankees. The team could use additional starting pitching depth, but might not be willing to pay the price it may take to acquire a Michael Fulmer or a Gerrit Cole.
When discussing a potential Corbin deal, Olney broke down the possible trade candidates and their likely price tags:
So among NYY SP options, 3 very distinct price ranges:
Corbin–FA after 2018, costly but not outrageous. D-Backs motivated seller.
Cole–FA after 2019, probably a lot more expensive than Corbin. PIT a motivated seller.
Fulmer–FA after 2022, very expensive, DET must be convinced.— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 18, 2017
Unlike Fulmer and Cole, Corbin only has one year remaining on his current deal. However, with an influx of pitching prospects (such as Chance Adams and Justus Sheffield) on the rise, the Yankees may just need a temporary fix until the prospects become big-league ready.
In 2017, the southpaw made 32 starts, and posted a 14-13 record with a 4.03 ERA. He was much better in the second half of the season, as he had an 8-4 record with a 3.26 ERA. Over his five-year big league career, Corbin has posted a 45-47 record with a 4.12 ERA.
The Yankees are not done this offseason, and are likely to acquire a starting pitcher prior to the start of spring training. As the rumors continue to surface, Corbin is a name that we could hear about a lot as the hot stove heats up.
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