"On paper, the Yankee rotation is much stronger at the end of 2026 compared to the start. Each of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt are all recovering from surgeries and are expected to start next year on the injured list. Cole and Schmidt both underwent Tommy John surgery this year, Cole in March and Schmidt in July. Rodón had surgery in October to remove loose bodies from his elbow."
"He is coming off a tremendous season working out of the Cubs' bullpen but has been getting interest from clubs as a potential starter next year. Sherman says the Yanks are more interested in him as a reliever but they could use him out of the rotation earlier in the year as they wait for other arms to get healthy."
"By the end of the season, it's possible the rotation group includes Cole, Rodón, Schmidt, , Cam Schlittler, and Will Warren. But to start the season, the group would have Fried, Schlittler, Gil and Warren, with guys like Allan Winans and Ryan Yarbrough in the mix for the back end. Elmer Rodriguez could be a factor but he hasn't yet made his major league debut."
The Yankees have interest in free agents Brad Keller and MacKenzie Gore to bolster pitching depth. Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt are recovering from surgeries and are expected to begin 2026 on the injured list, with Rodón targeting late April/early May and Cole aiming for May/June. Early-season rotation likely features Fried, Cam Schlittler, Gil and Will Warren, with Allan Winans and Ryan Yarbrough competing for back-end spots and Elmer Rodriguez still awaiting his major league debut. Keller offers experience as both a starter and reliever and could start early before moving to a relief role once healthy arms return.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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