The Yankees have opened talks with star left-hander Carlos Rodon and were expected to send a formal offer to the team’s senior outfield free agent target on Monday or possibly Tuesday.
According to early reports, Rodon is looking for seven-plus years at $200 million, and while the Yankees are reluctant to go that far, they seem very serious and hopeful about that pursuit.
While there have been talks between the Yankees and superstar free agent Carlos Correa, their focus is clearly on Rodon, who also has interest from the Giants, Cardinals and several other teams. The Yankees love Correa as a player, but they’re struggling to see a fit both financially and on the field, as they have three shortstop candidates as well as experienced third basemen DJ LeMahieu and Josh Donaldson. offensive season.
The Giants and incumbent Twins are among the teams vying for Correa, the best shortstop left in a market that once saw four All-Star shortstops in free agency. Dansby Swanson remains a free agent and the Cubs are a candidate to sign him, possibly second to the Dodgers, Red Sox and Correa.
Despite the competition for Rodon, the top starter on the market, the Yankees seem more optimistic. The incumbent Giants have been on Rodon, but the Yankees believe Rodon – a Miami native who played for North Carolina’s Trea Turner – would prefer to stay east. The Yankees have already won the biggest battle in the high-stakes war with the Giants and Padres for their superstar free agent, Aaron Judge. The Rangers, Orioles, Twins and others have also visited Rodon, but their level of interest is unknown.
Rodon thrived as a Giant in 2022, posting a 2.88 ERA with 237 strikeouts over 178 innings while leading the way with 12 strikeouts in nine innings and a 2.25 FIP between the playoffs. Rodon celebrated his 30th birthday on Saturday.
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