The New York Yankees need to make a few choices. Due to an elbow injury, ace Gerrit Cole will be sidelined for at least a month and a half for New York. A few pitchers have been connected to the Yankees, but adding someone is harder than it seems. For the 2024 season, the Yankees already have the largest payroll in baseball; adding more would come with a hefty tax penalty. This does not imply that New York will not act. Still, it’s unlikely that the Yankees will add a big-name player. Blake Snell, the winner of two Cy Young Awards, has been mentioned as a possibility, but at this point in time, he probably costs too much for New York. However, there are several less expensive choices available. Michael Lorenzen, a pitcher who is a 2023 All-Star, is another player that has been associated with the Yankees. Though it’s uncertain where he will end up, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that he threw a bullpen for clubs on Sunday. “Free-agent (right-handed pitcher) Michael Lorenzen threw 70 pitches yesterday, getting up and down four times, hitting 94 to 96 mph with his fastball, according to a report viewed by The Athletic,” Rosenthal stated. After being promoted from the bullpen to the starting lineup in 2022, Lorenzen was selected for the first time as an All-Star in 2023. He pitched 153 innings total for the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies during the season, recording a 4.18 ERA and a 111-to-47 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Until Cole recovers, New York may decide to stick with its current lineup, although an addition would undoubtedly be beneficial. Lorenzen might be within the club’s means.
