Empire Updates Unveiled: Latest Yankees News on January 11, 2024

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Yankees, having missed out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, are now exploring options for a frontline starter. While Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell are available in free agency, and Dylan Cease, Corbin Burnes, and Jesús Luzardo could be obtained via trade, the Yankees seem hesitant to meet the cost, whether in terms of money or prospects, for any of these pitchers. Instead, they appear to be focusing on players in a tier below and are leading the race to sign Marcus Stroman. Stroman, known for his effectiveness at run prevention throughout his career, brings an interesting dynamic due to past tensions with Brian Cashman dating back to 2019 and significant time missed to injury over the last two seasons.

Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media highlights a surprising ranking of starting rotations by an unnamed scout who places the Yankees at number two in the AL, just behind the Mariners. However, this ranking is contingent on a return to form from pitchers Carlos Rodón and Nestor Cortes, which is uncertain. The scout suggests that the addition of a “bona fide arm” would benefit the Yankees, especially with Luis Gil currently penciled in as the fifth starter.

Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors reports the Yankees’ ongoing efforts to enhance their roster depth by signing Tanner Tully to a minor league contract. This move follows the trend of adding depth around the fringes of the roster. Tully, a 29-year-old lefty, is known for his groundball specialty and was released last August to play in the KBO, where he posted a 2.92 ERA in 11 appearances with the NC Dinos.

Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News shares the news of the Yankees’ spring training schedule for 2024. Pitchers and catchers are set to report on Valentine’s Day, followed by the full team five days later. The first spring exhibition will be against the Tigers on February 24th, with the spring home opener at GMS Field against the Blue Jays the next day. Additionally, the Spring Breakout series, featuring top prospects from each organization, will commence on March 16th with the Yankees facing the Blue Jays.

Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com announces the Yankees’ coaching staff for 2024, introducing three new faces: hitting coach James Rowson, assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler, and bench coach Brad Ausmus. Rowson, formerly the assistant hitting coach for the Tigers, Roessler, who worked with Juan Soto as the Nationals’ assistant hitting coach and served as the Yankees’ director of player development for ten years, and Ausmus, who managed the Tigers and the Angels after his playing career, join the returning coaching staff.