Forget Third Base, Yankees Need To Focus On The Rotation Now

Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

#3. Brandon Beachy

It was surprising to many that the Atlanta Braves non-tendered Beachy, thus making him a free agent at 24-years-old. He’s coming back from Tommy John surgery, and might not be ready when the season starts, but how can a team pass up such a talented young arm, just because of a surgery that has become as commonplace as the sniffles?

In 2011, Beachy tossed 141 2/3 innings, going 7-3 in 25 starts, posting an ERA of 3.68 and striking out 169 hitters. I’m sorry, but with a legit #2 or #3 starter who is young and strong, and has the ability to strike out hitters, this is a move for the future. Think Jon Leiber. The Yankees signed him, let him rehab, and he was a key piece to the Yankees postseason run that season. Beachy if healthy, could be a mainstay in the Yankees rotation for years to come. In 13 starts in 2012, he went 5-5 in 13 starts, with an ERA of 2, while striking out 68 in 81 innings. Another low risk, and this time, extremely high reward chance the Yankees should consider taking here.