The New York Yankees are set to bring in the New Year with their new and improved team. Will the Yankees make another move before the clock strikes midnight? It seems like every available player, especially pitchers, are connected in some way or another with the Yankees. Here are all the latest Yankees news & rumors you need to know:
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Yankees Have Money To Spend
The Yankees are currently committed to seven players for an estimated total of $120 million, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts. Once the eight arbitration players and contract obligations of traded players are added, their projected payroll in 2018 will be near $170 million.
With the Competitive Balance Tax Base Tax Threshold set at $197 million for 2018, this means the Yankees can still shop for players. New York plans to be under that number in order to avoid paying any luxury tax.
Yu Darvish To The Yankees?
The Yankees are seriously considering signing free agent pitcher Yu Darvish, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. After acquiring Giancarlo Stanton, much of New York's offseason has revolved around signing or trading for a starting pitcher. The Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros are also known to be interested in Darvish.
Darvish is 31 years old and coming off a season where he had a 3.86 ERA over 186.2 innings pitched with 209 strikeouts and 58 walks.
Jordan Montgomery Odd Man Out
Along with Darvish, New York has also expressed interest in Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Chris Archer, and Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer. With all these rumors surrounding pitchers, what does that mean for current Yankees starter Jordan Montgomery?
The 24-year-old was impressive in his rookie season with a 3.88 ERA in 155 innings pitched. Last season, he finished sixth in the voting for Rookie of the Year, but their offseason moves suggest that Montgomery may not be what he showed in 2017.
The Yankees need depth in their pitching rotation and Montgomery may just be a depth player going forward.
Mitchell Renz is the Senior Writer & On-Air Host at Chat Sports. Check out his article archive and live videos on Chat Sports Facebook page. Please follow him on Twitter @MitchellRenz365.
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