New York Yankees: 5 free agent options for the final starting rotation spot

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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 25: Starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Tyler Chatwood

Tyler Chatwood did not have the best year in 2017, but he wasn’t as bad as his numbers appear on the surface and remember, we’re trying to fill the No. 5 starter spot, not looking for an ace.

Chatwood was 8-15 with a 4.69 ERA but his numbers were severely influenced by pitching in the hitter-friendly Coors Field. When pitching on the road, Chatwood was 5-7 with a 3.49 ERA. Perhaps he just needs a change of scenery.

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A change of scenery is likely for Chatwood as the Colorado Rockies have a handful of young pitchers who pitched well in 2017 and are the future of their starting rotation.

Chatwood would come cheaper than the rest of the starters on this list. Spotrac.com estimates Chatwood will make just over $6.5 million per year in free agency.

Chatwood is only 27 years old but a long-term contract may not be in his best interest. With a chance to get out of Colorado in 2018, Chatwood could pitch closer to his road splits and cash in next offseason.

Tyler Chatwood would be an interesting option to fill out the New York Yankees rotation if they can’t re-sign CC Sabathia.

Next: New York Yankees: Who should be the DH in 2018?

If you didn’t sense the theme, I fully believe the New York Yankees should re-sign CC Sabathia this offseason.

He has reinvented himself, he can get outs without his once-elite velocity, and he’s a leader in the clubhouse. He’s exactly the kind of player you want showing a young starting rotation how to pitch.

If Sabathia and the Yankees can’t agree on a deal, there are a few other external options out there. However, at that point, New York may look to their farm system to round out the rotation.

For once, the Yankees starting rotation appears to be in good shape. They just need a back-end starter to eat innings.

I think it should be CC Sabathia or bust, but there are a few other solid options on the free agent market as well.

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