In Part 7 wrapping up our series breaking down how the Yankees should navigate the offseason position by position, we look at their pitching staff.
Because they do not have to pursue starting pitching, the Yankees are in a more advantageous roster-building position than most teams entering the offseason, particularly an offseason expected to be discombobulated by a long lockout.
They have seven veteran starters, including presumptive AL Cy Young winner Cam Schlittler, plus Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, Will Warren and Ryan Weathers. They have two well-regarded youngsters in Carlos Lagrange and Elmer Rodriguez. And perhaps a reclamation project in Luis Gil.
There will be a temptation to trade from that group. And there should not be a full stop sign. But there should be a proceed with caution.