While the positions might be set in stone, the starting rotation is anything but. GM Brian Cashman brought in some more depth, but there isn’t a definitive answer on what to expect with many high-risk, high-reward pitchers currently on the roster.
Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon were added to work behind Gerrit Cole. Masahiro Tanaka and James Paxton weren’t really considered. Jordan Montgomery is still on the roster, too.
So while Cole, Kluber, Taillon, and Montgomery should be the first four in the rotation, injuries and/or poor pitching from anyone but Cole could warrant a change from manager Aaron Boone – and the fifth rotation spot is truly up for grabs, with a load of quality options vying for that spot in Tampa.