Yankees: In search of their next great starting pitcher

Repeated interest

Patrick Corbin, whom the Yankees have had interest in since 2016, could be the hottest name on the trade block come July — unless of course, the Diamondbacks keep up on their current 15-6 record.

Another southpaw, Corbin has always had immense talent but struggled to harness it prior to Tommy John surgery in 2014. The 28-year-old Syracuse native recently tossed a complete game shutout versus the Giants, allowing one hit (none through the first 7.2 innings) while striking out eight.

As we know, TJ surgery recipients come with their own set of stipulations. And while it’s a gamble to ink one to a longterm deal (what pitcher isn’t?), should Corbin repeat the 189 innings he tossed in 2017, he’ll likely have as much upside as Dallas Keuchel, with a much lower price tag.

Although the Tigers are currently exceeding expectations at 9-11, they likely won’t play .500 ball deep into the season. And as they continue their rebuild, many expect that Michael Fulmer could be had, though, his asking price will rival what the Yankees gave up for Sonny Gray.

Considering the concerns over Fulmer’s balky right elbow, the fact that Gray hasn’t exactly paid off dividends since coming to the Bronx and whether or not Fulmer is anything more than a No.3 on a quality club, the Yanks should tread lightly.

Next: Larry Rothschild's time has come to exit stage left

Other free-agent-to-be names that may become available as we head into the summer months include, Gio Gonzalez, Matt Harvey, Brandon McCarthy, JA Happ, Marco Estrada, Garrett Richards, Lance Lynn, Adam Wainwright, Drew Pomeranz and Charlie Morton.

Aside from Kuechel, Corbin and Fulmer, I’m not convinced any of these guys are any better than what the Yanks currently have.