Breaking news: The New York Yankees acquired a $22 million World Series champion.
On Monday, the New York Yankees were hit with more concerning injury news. Due to a lat injury, MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reported that Luis Gil, the current American League Rookie of the Year, will not be able to pitch for “at least six weeks.”
“The Yankees’ rotation depth will be tested early in the regular season, as reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil has been diagnosed with a high-grade right lat strain that will prevent him from throwing for at least six weeks, according to manager Aaron Boone,” wrote Hoch. One day after ending a planned bullpen session after roughly five pitches, Gil had an MRI on Saturday. A best-case scenario would probably see Gil return to a major league mound in June, considering the extent of his strain and the duration of his shutdown.
Marcus Stroman is prepared to enter the starting lineup for the Yankees. However, when the Yankees traded for
Stroman this winter, there are still apparently a lot of issues between the two teams. If the management is determined to keep Stroman out of the equation, it may try to add a starter through trade. Rucker Haringey of FanSided proposed that the Yankees acquire Jordan Montgomery, a starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Following his 2023 World Series victory with the Texas Rangers, Montgomery signed a one-year, $25 million contract with the Diamondbacks, but he struggled the following season. In 25 games during the previous season, his ERA was 6.23. On “The Burnes & Gambo Show” earlier this offseason, Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendricks discussed his desire to sign him. “Looking back, in hindsight, a horrible decision to invest that money in a guy who performed as poorly as he did,” said Kendrick. “It’s our biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint, and I’m the perpetrator of that.”
Following his disappointing season, Montgomery activated a $22.5 million player option. It’s evident from Kendrick’s remarks that he’s willing to let go of Montgomery. After a poor season, the Diamondbacks could even have to pay him a portion of his contract in order to transfer him. Montgomery may be an inexpensive acquisition who might help the Yankees recover. He has a 3.20 ERA in 32 starts in 2023 and a 3.48 ERA in 94 starts between 2021 and 2023.
Although Montgomery began his major baseball career with the Yankees, his 2024 campaign brought up memories of his early setbacks with the franchise. After a disappointing season in Arizona, though, a change of environment could help him. The Yankees could also be able to move Stroman in the end with a trade for Montgomery.
