Free Agent All-Star Threw Bullpen Session; Could Yankees Sign Him?

The New York Yankees have some decisions to make.

New York will be without the services of ace Gerrit Cole for at least one or two months due to an elbow injury. The Yankees have been linked to a handful of pitchers, but an addition isn't as simple as it sounds.

The Yankees already have the highest payroll in baseball for the 2024 season and if they were to make another addition would face a steep tax bill. This doesn't mean New York won't make a move. But, if the Yankees do sign another player it likely won't be a large contract.

Two-time Cy Young Award Blake Snell has been floated as an option but he likely is too expensive for New York at this time. There are some cheaper options out there, though. 

Another player who has been linked to the Yankees is 2023 All-Star pitcher Michael Lorenzen. It's unclear where he will land, but he reportedly threw a bullpen for clubs Sunday, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

"Free-agent (right-handed pitcher) Michael Lorenzen threw 70 pitches yesterday, getting up and down four times, hitting 94 to 96 mph with his fastball, according to a report viewed by The Athletic," Rosenthal said. 

Lorenzen was moved from the bullpen to the starting rotation in 2022 and earned his first All-Star nod in 2023. He spent the season with the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies and had a 4.18 ERA and 111-to-47 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 153 total innings pitched. 

New York could end up rolling with its current rotation until Cole returns but an addition certainly could help. Lorenzen may fit the club's budget.