According to multiple reports, the Washington Nationals have swooped in to sign free agent Patrick Corbin to a six-year, $140 million deal. Coming into the offseason, the Yankees were viewed as the favorite to land the 29-year-old.
Nationals have agreed to terms on a deal with Patrick Corbin, according to a person familiar. Pending physical.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) December 4, 2018
Reports earlier on Tuesday indicated that Corbin planned to sign a contract similar to Yu Darvish‘s six-year, $126 million deal last winter. The Yankees were unwilling to offer six years, causing Corbin to go elsewhere.
Yanks didn't want to go 6 years for Corbin, so that was why he went elsewhere. will look at Eovaldi and Happ now.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 4, 2018
The focus is still to solidify the rotation, although the Yankees will be looking for cheaper free agent options now that Corbin is off the table. J.A. Happ, Nathan Eovaldi and Lance Lynn are now among the top targets in terms of free agent starting pitchers. If the Yankees are looking to trade, there are still top-level throwers such as Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer and Carlos Carrasco available among others.
With Patrick Corbin headed to Washington, the Yankees will continue talking with Nathan Eovaldi, J.A. Happ and Lance Lynn about the final spot in their rotation. Have to think this also increases the chances they spend more elsewhere. Manny Machado, perhaps?
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 4, 2018
