Yankees: Projecting their next moves after the trade for James Paxton

The Yankees made their first big splash of the offseason on Monday by acquiring Mariners left-handed ace James Paxton. It was a huge move that should bolster their rotation for 2019 and the plan is still to add another elite arm to join him.

Trading for Paxton on Monday was a win now move for the Yankees and one that should pay huge dividends next season as long as he can stay healthy. That’s a big if given his track record but it was a risk worth taking for Brian Cashman and company.

Even with Paxton now in the fold expect the Yankees to continue their pursuit of another ace-caliber pitcher in the coming days and weeks. Another trade is certainly a possibility but after dealing for Paxton I think the Yanks would prefer to sign another free agent starter instead. They have a lot of money to spend now that they’re under the luxury tax and the free agent market is filled with quality arms who could make a big impact.

Based off reports from around the league the top two names to keep an eye on are southpaws Patrick Corbin and J.A. Happ. Dallas Keuchel is a possibility as well, but he doesn’t have the overpowering strikeout stuff the Yanks are attracted to so unless they miss out on Happ or Corbin don’t expect to see him in pinstripes next season. Red Sox playoff hero and former Yankee Nathan Eovaldi is another potential option, but he’s going to cost quite a bit for a guy who’s already undergone Tommy John surgery twice.

The team will also be looking to add another power arm or two to their bullpen since both David Robertson and Zach Britton might sign elsewhere in free agency. Hopefully, one of the two will be resigned but if not right-hander Adam Ottavino and former Bomber Andrew Miller could be in play.

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As for Manny Machado, he’s not at the top of the Yanks offseason wishlist but they need to find a replacement for the injured Didi Gregorius, so it’s still possible he’s on their radar. I think the front office will first look to finish rounding out the rest of their rotation and bullpen and then if Machado is still on the table they might pursue him more aggressively.

One thing the Paxton trade hopefully means is that Rookie of the Year runner-up Miguel Andujar isn’t going anywhere in a trade. Now that they got a front-line starter via trade I’d be shocked to see them trade more top prospects or a player like Andujar to get another one.

I’ve always believed the Yankees would be crazy to trade Miggy, even for a player like Corey Kluber. Especially since they can just pay to get another ace instead.

So what’s the next move?

Going the free agent route for another starter is probably the Yankees next move and if they’re willing to give either Corbin or Happ the contract they’re looking for they should get one of them. My guess is that Corbin will be the guy because he’s younger and simply a better pitcher than Happ at this point in his career.

He’s in his prime coming off a career year and he fits the mold of the type of pitcher the Yankees are looking for. Like Paxton, he’s a left-hander with power stuff, but he’s better at keeping the ball in the park which bodes well for him if he’s going to make half his starts at Yankee Stadium.

It’s going to take an offer of at least $100 million over five or six years to get Corbin but I think he would be worth the investment. I’m not saying Happ wouldn’t be but signing Corbin instead puts this Yankee team in a better position to win a championship in 2019. After all, that’s the main goal so if you have the money to get him nothing should stop you from doing so.