Yankees bring CC Sabathia back to the Bronx on a one-year deal

On Saturday, the New York Yankees announced they re-signed veteran left-handed starter C.C. Sabathia to a one-year, $10 million deal.

The 37-year-old lefty recently enjoyed his best year since 2012, when he was an All-Star, pitching for the Yankees in 2017. Sabathia finished with a 14-5 record, posting a 3.69 ERA and 120 strikeouts in 148.2 innings pitched. He proved to be the stopper of the rotation, going 9-0 with a 1.71 ERA following a Yanks’ loss during the regular season.

In the postseason, Sabathia was once again brilliant. Against the Cleveland Indians in the AL Division Series, he helped the Yanks secure the series in Game 5, with a five-hit, nine strikeout performance, giving up two earned runs over 4.1 innings pitched. He put the offense and the bullpen in the perfect position to bring New York to the AL Championship Series.

He put the offense and the bullpen in a perfect position to push New York to the AL Championship Series.

In the ALCS, Sabathia was vintage. Down in the series 2-0, heading back to the Bronx, CC dominated the Houston Astros over six innings in Game 3, giving up zero runs and allowing only three hits. This game was definitely the spark that carried the Yanks to win three straight, going back to Houston with a 3-2 series lead.

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This game was definitely the spark that carried the Yanks to win three straight, going back to Houston with a 3-2 series lead.

Although Sabathia only went 3.1 innings in Game 7, he still gave up only one run. And the game was easily winnable upon Sabathia’s exit. Unfortunately, manager Joe Girardi had to go to the bullpen earlier than he had hoped.

Based on how ’17 unfolded for the big fella, he undoubtedly earned the right to pitch his 18^th big league season. Luckily for us, it’ll be for the Yankees.

Sabathia’s Impact

Despite conversing with other teams like the Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays, Sabathia chose New York because there is “unfinished business to attend to. He wants to bring home another championship to the Yankee fan” said his agent Kyle Thousand, via Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

This re-signing was almost a given toward the end of last season. If Sabathia decided to pitch another year, there was no doubt that he would roll with the Yankees to end his career. He loves New York and is a fan favorite in the Bronx.

For the Yankees, they get a veteran leader to anchor the back-end of the rotation. Even with Sabathia returning, they will try to trade for or sign one more starter to round out the rotation.

With there still being some extra money left before the organization hits the luxury tax threshold, there is no reason general manager Brian Cashman shouldn’t pursue a sixth starter.

The first three spots are locked in with Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, and Sonny Gray. The last two spots will most likely be a rotation of Sabathia, Jordon Montgomery and the other pitcher they acquire this offseason. They may even sport a

New skipper, Aaron Boone may even sport a six-man rotation a couple of times per month. No doubt, Sabathia coming back to New York gives Boone the flexibility he needed with his rotation.

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With this likely being his last year in pinstripes, CC has a great chance to end his Hall of Fame career with a ring and go out a champion. Cashman has once again made the right move for the up and coming Yankees.

Sabathia may not put up jaw-dropping stats, but he is the pitcher that everyone in the clubhouse turns to. He is the leader the Yankees needed.