Yankees Eyeing Top Cy Young Contender in Upcoming Free Agency

Rumors are circulating that the New York Yankees may be looking to secure one of baseball's premier pitchers this offseason.

As the New York Yankees push forward with hopes of a strong finish to their season, attention is already turning toward what promises to be a critical offseason for the team.

While current outfielder Juan Soto remains the biggest name expected to hit free agency, there are other top-tier talents who will also be available on the market.

One of the most coveted pitchers set to become available is Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes.

Burnes initially signed a one-year, $15.6 million deal with the Milwaukee Brewers in January before being traded to the Orioles shortly after. The 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner has been outstanding for Baltimore this season, boasting a 13-7 record, a 3.19 ERA, and 154 strikeouts over 169.1 innings.

However, Burnes is due to become an unrestricted free agent, and according to a September 4 article from Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer, the Yankees are listed among the top 10 potential destinations for the four-time All-Star.

"Though they were reportedly unwilling to trade Spencer Jones in a deal with the Brewers, the Yankees were still in the hunt for Burnes last winter," Rymer noted.

"They might revisit this option, but only if certain conditions lead to Gerrit Cole becoming a free agent," he added.

Rymer's hesitation to rank the Yankees higher than 10th stems from the fact that for Burnes to land in New York, both Cole and the Yankees would need to decline their respective options this offseason, which seems unlikely.

Given the hefty contract Aaron Judge secured last winter, the Yankees would face serious financial challenges if they aimed to bring in Juan Soto, retain Gerrit Cole, and add Corbin Burnes while still maintaining a competitive roster.

However, if Cole does hit the open market and signs with another team, the Yankees are expected to make a strong play for Burnes.

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