The New York Yankees starting pitching staff was the focus point of this spring training. The starting rotation in particular has been a focal point for many around the sport. We are three weeks into spring training, and the pitching has held up thus far. From Gerrit Cole all the way to Jhoulys Chacin, the depth of starting pitching this spring is quite clear. With Cole as the number one and Jameson Taillon, Corey Kluber, and Jordan Montgomery lining up behind him, one spot in the rotation has been up for grabs. While Clarke Schmidt might have competed for that last spot, it has primarily been a battle between Domingo German and Deivi Garcia. Spring training statistics do not mean much, but they are more important for some than others. Let’s look at how these pitchers have performed this spring and their outlook for the 2021 season.
Two Wild Card Starting Pitchers
Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon are the two newest members to the rotation. Safe to say, both of these moves were highly controversial. Kluber is 34 years old and has pitched 36 2/3 innings since the start of 2019. Taillon is only 29 yet has had two Tommy John surgeries and only thrown 37 1/3 innings in that same span. Kluber cost the Yankees $11 million while Taillon cost the team four relatively unknown prospects. Many around the sport thought the team could have acquired another pitcher or two for similar money. Regardless, the upside in these two pitchers is obvious if they are healthy. Thus far in spring, Kluber has made two starts, pitching six innings, allowing two runs, and no walks. His velocity has not been anything special as his fastball is in the low-90s, but Kluber relies more on spin and control than anything else, so his results have been very encouraging so far. On to Taillon, he has looked even better this spring. In three appearances, he has thrown 5 2/3 innings, allowing no runs, four walks, and striking out nine batters. His fastball has averaged nearly 94 mph and his new delivery is clearly working for him.
The Ace and The Big Lefty
Gerrit Cole is the ace of this staff but has not actually been all that impressive this spring. He has thrown 7 2/3 innings, allowing four runs and two home runs, walking two batters and striking out 11. Whereas spring training performance might matter more for Taillon and Kluber considering their recent health issues, Cole is the one pitcher where it really does not matter at all. He will still be the opening day starter and is widely considered one of the best in the sport. He is the headline of this Yankees starting pitching staff and will continue his run as an elite starter.
On the other hand, 2021 will be Jordan Montgomery’s first full season since he underwent Tommy John Surgery. Monty’s 5.11 ERA in 2020 belies how solid he actually performed as he posted a 3.87 FIP and 3.87 xERA. If he puts up an ERA anywhere in that range in 2021, many fans will be very pleased. This spring, Montgomery has made three appearances, pitching 10 innings, allowing four hits, one run, and striking out seven. In fact, he pitched five hitless innings against the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this week. Montgomery might be the most sure thing in this rotation behind Cole and will be counted on to take a big step forward in 2021.
The Fifth Starter Battle
The battle for the last rotation spot is between Deivi Garcia and Domingo German. As of this moment, the upper hand goes to German. He has the experience of pitching a full season as a starting pitcher, as he did in 2019. In addition, he has been their best pitcher this spring. Not having pitched in a professional competitive game since September of 2019, his form was in question. However, he has pitched nine shutout innings, walking only one batter while striking out 13. His domestic violence incident will always come to mind and loom over him, but he was also someone that perhaps needed a strong spring to ensure his spot on the roster. On the other hand, Garcia has not been too shabby this spring as well. He has pitched eight innings over three appearances, allowing two runs and two walks, while striking out ten batters.
In six starts, Garcia posted a 4.98 ERA which does not look great. However, he showed the potential that has made him a top prospects in the Yankees system for the last couple of years. With only six walks in his 34 1/3 innings, he showed impressive control for a 21-year old pitcher. Garcia possesses the stuff to be a successful major league pitcher and has a very high ceiling. However, his age and team control put him at a slight disadvantage. Having only pitched 40 innings at Triple-A, he can probably use some more seasoning before transition to a full-time spot in the major league rotation.
Outlook for 2021
While the Yankees starting pitching still has questions and doubts, the talent is obvious. The depth is as well. From some of their spring training non-roster invitees to relievers who can be stretched out, all the way up to Cole, there is a lot to like. Each of the top six Yankees starters have looked really good this spring. While it is still only spring training, they have shown why FanGraphs projected the Yankees to put up the most pitching WAR in 2021. If healthy, Taillon and Kluber are still all-star caliber pitchers. Montgomery will look to become a trusted mid-rotation arm for the Yankees in his first full season back from Tommy John. As the ace of the staff, Gerrit Cole will look to remain one of the best pitchers in the sport and be a Cy Young favorite. Whether it is German or Garcia who wins the fifth starter spot, both have looked very good thus far and will play a big role in 2021 regardless of where they start their season.
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Players mentioned:
Gerrit Cole, Jhoulys Chacin, Jameson Taillon, Corey Kluber, Jordan Montgomery, Domingo German, Deivi Garcia
