Yankees predicted to trade for $13M darkhorse Cy Young arm to bolster rotation with Max Fried, Gerrit Cole

The New York Yankees knew coming into the season that addressing their starting rotation would be critical, especially with injuries to key arms like ace Gerrit Cole. While Max Fried and other starters will take the mound to start the season, missing an ace is always a significant void.

“The New York Yankees have a multitude of needs this offseason, but starting pitching ranks near the top of that list. With both Carlos Rodón (elbow) and Gerrit Cole (elbow) set to miss the beginning of the 2026 season, the club should have at least spot open in their rotation next to Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil and Will Warren,” SI’s Jack Markowski wrote.

The Yankees explored moves on the market, including a potential trade for now Chicago Cubs pitcher Edwin Cabrera.

“Yankees are talking to Marlins about Edward Cabrera, a terrifically talented pitcher coming off excellent year (3.53 ERA). Cubs and Giants (and others) also believed interested. Marlins pitching depth allows them to consider. Ken Rosenthal 1st mentioned NYY link,” MLB insider Jon Heyman posted.

New York still has options, and one name to watch is Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins.

“Who would have guessed Ryan would still be with the Twins when spring training opened given all the trade chatter last summer and over the winter? Perhaps Bailey Ober is the more likely trade candidate given the potentially lower asking price (Pablo López is no longer a trade candidate given his elbow injury), but frankly, I think both could be moved. Ryan has two years of control remaining, same as Ober, though he is the better pitcher and more attractive target. Squint your eyes and you can see the Twins staying in the postseason race deep into the season. I think it's more likely Ryan (and Ober and Ryan Jeffers) is firmly on the trade block come July,” CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa wrote.

The Yankees understand that surviving the first month or two without Cole and other key starters will be challenging. Adding a pitcher like Ryan could provide the stability they need.

For New York, the priority is to hold the fort until their top arms return, and Ryan is more than capable of filling that role. Time will tell, but this is a move the Yankees need to seriously consider.

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