The New York Yankees are always a team that is capable of making a big splash during the offseason. They have deep pockets and aren't afraid to throw big numbers at elite players.
However, things were relatively quiet for the Bronx Bombers. They still made multiple moves, but these moves did not compare to what the team had done in the past.
They were able to retain both Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham, but the biggest splash after that comes in a trade with the Miami Marlins to acquire RHP Ryan Weathers.
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ESPN analyst sets the stage for these two Yankees pitchers to perform
One of the reasons that the Yankees went out and acquired Weathers is to help give the starting rotation some relief early. The club will be without both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon to start the season.
Cole will still be recovering from Tommy John surgery, while Rodon will be recovering from an elbow surgery he had during the offseason to remove loose bodies.
Rodon won't be back until late April or early May, while Cole won't return until late May or early June. So, Weathers has an important role to play, but he is not the only pitcher that ESPN's Kiley McDaniel is high on.
"Weathers is the easier pick here as a former first-round draft pick who hasn't found much big league success yet but looks fantastic this spring after being acquired from Miami... RHP Carlos Lagrange is another name to watch. My No. 159 overall prospect averaged 98 mph on his fastball last year and has one-upped himself by sitting 100 mph this spring."
McDaniel tags Weathers and Carlos Lagrange as potential breakout candidates for the Yankees. Both are hard-throwing arms and could play a major role for a contending club this season.
More MLB news:
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- Rangers' Rule 5 pick is making a case as the steal of the offseason
- ESPN analyst has huge expectations for the Tigers' top prospect

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