New York Yankees: Predicting the Opening Day Roster
By Sean Dyer
Starting Rotation
- RHP Luis Severino
- RHP Masahiro Tanaka
- RHP Sonny Gray
- LHP CC Sabathia
- LHP Jordan Montgomery
As we mentioned, luxury tax restrictions prevented the New York Yankees from adding a top starting pitcher this offseason, so they go into 2018 with the same starting rotation that they ended 2017 with. Remember, this rotation got the Yankees within one game of the World Series last year.
Atop the rotation is Luis Severino. Sevy took unbelievable strides in 2017. He went from an unknown prospect who might have ended up in the bullpen to finishing third in the AL Cy Young. Severino set a career high in innings pitched by a lot last season so that’s something to pay attention to. However, his velocity only increased later in games and late in the season so another big year is expected from the Yankees’ new ace.
Masahiro Tanaka was shaky last season but turned in on down the stretch and was absolutely dominant in the postseason. Severino has taken the pressure of being the ace off of Tanaka, so hopefully that will help. If Tanaka can command his splitter, he can be dominant. The Yankees just need him to keep them in games and let their loaded offense carry them.
New York also has to be careful that Tanaka doesn’t blow out his arm, which has a partially torn UCL. They could look to limit his innings throughout the season if they get the chance.
Sonny Gray wasn’t great after coming over to the Yankees at last year’s trade deadline, but he wasn’t terrible. He also pitched well in the playoffs. Now that he’s had time to adjust to the Big Apple, Gray can return to the near-ace form that he displayed early in his career with the Athletics. Staying healthy will also be key for Gray.
After reinventing himself, going from power pitcher to finesse pitcher, CC Sabathia carried the Yankees through the 2017 postseason. He was called upon when the Yankees needed a big win and he delivered time and time again. He outpitched AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber twice! His postseason success landed him a one-year, $10 million contract to return to the Yankees.
Sabathia will continue to paint corners and outsmart hitters, as long as he stays healthy. CC will turn 38 this season and has had chronic knee problems. As long as he can stay off the disabled list, Sabathia should be New York’s most consistent pitcher and provide invaluable veteran leadership.
Fans wanted the Yankees to acquire a new starting pitcher this offseason but they could do a lot worse than Jordan Montgomery as their No. 5 starter. Montgomery came seemingly out of nowhere last spring training to win a starting spot and had himself a very good rookie season. He’ll look to build on his rookie success this season and stay strong through the whole year. Like Severino, Montgomery also set a career high in innings pitched last season.
Other starting pitchers who didn’t make the cut and will start the year in the minors are Luis Cessa, Domingo German, Chance Adams, and Justus Sheffield. They could get the call to the big leagues if there’s an injury or the Yankees expand to a six-man rotation at any point this season.