Yankees: Brian Cashman made the right move keeping J.A. Happ

The Yankees final spot in the rotation is wide open due to the suspension of Domingo German for the first 63 games of the season. Following rumors about the Yanks potentially trading away J.A. Happ, general manager Brian Cashman put the whispers to bed.

Going into the 2020 season, Yankees left-hander J.A. Happ is looking for a rebound year after a disappointing 2019 season. He is owed $17 million this season and has a vesting option of another $17 million in 2021 if he surpasses 27 starts or pitches 165 innings. The Yanks would love to clear his cap hit off the books, but for now, it looks as though they will not be doing so according to Cashman.

Jordan Montgomery has had several months off to fully heal himself from Tommy John Surgery in 2018. There is no question that he should be close to returning to his former self, but the Yankees are one team to say that there is no such thing as too much depth. The Yankees need to give Montgomery a few starts to evaluate how he feels on the mound and if he resembles his form from 2018.

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Deivi Garcia is another name that has been linked to the fifth rotation spot and has been an exciting presence amongst the Yankee fanbase. Garcia struggled in Triple-A after dominating in Double-A Trenton and Single-A Tampa. It is not to say that Garcia cannot have success in Spring Training, but he’s more than likely not ready for the Major Leagues quite yet, and that is perfectly fine. He will probably need time to develop in Triple-A before being called up to the Bronx.

The Yankees also have Jonathan Loaisiga to consider, as he has shown potential to become a good pitcher in the Majors. However, he might be better of pitching out of the bullpen because he has really struggled to pitch deep into games during his limited time as a starter in the big leagues.

Happ could also benefit from new pitching coach Matt Blake and is something that will be put to the test this upcoming season.

Overall, Cashman made the correct decision in keeping Happ. Even if things don’t work out with the veteran lefty this upcoming season, the Yankees have the depth to replace him and then they won’t have to worry about his cap hit for the 2021 season.