4 buy-low trade candidates Yankees should target for rotation

If the Yankees hit the trade market this offseason, they should aim for these buy-low targets.

We’re not saying the Yankees should go bargain hunting this offseason, but … you know they’re going to, right?

So, if the process is already under way, we might as well helpfully lay out the guidelines that could help the Yanks maximize their shopping.

The Yankees have made their hay over the past several years of the Brian Cashman Era by attempting to poach standouts from other teams with 1.5-2 years of control left on their contracts, as well as taking fringe prospects and spinning them into gold, like Gio Urshela and Luke Voit. But back in the day, the team used to be all about reclamation projects, and this offseason, there are plenty of players (OK, fine, pitchers) who could be on the market who feel like perfect fits for the team’s analytical approach.

We’re not guaranteeing that any of these four options will be slam-dunk superstars in the Bronx, but there are so many rotation spots that are wide open for 2021. Any one of these cheap options would greatly insure against disaster — and they’d all make better bullpen swingmen than anyone the Yanks currently have, in a worst-case scenario.

As soon as the World Series ends, it’s time to call up four rival GMs and get these conversations going.

4. Danny Duffy

The long-time Royal probably wants to stay in KC, but the Yankees could give the Royals no choice.

Danny Duffy’s always been an undervalued commodity, though he’s sort of woven himself into the fabric of the Royals over the past several years, making his departure a little tougher to envision than it would’ve been back in the day.

In 2017, Duffy declared himself “Forever Royal,” inking a five-year, $65 million deal to remain in KC at the tail end of their contention window. But forever only lasts so long, and we’re now entering the final year of Duffy’s contract at one of his lowest points.

In 2020, the lefty continued to post big strikeout numbers (57 in 56.1 innings pitched), but regressed in ERA (4.95) and FIP (4.75), posting a true-talent “meh” season according to the metrics. But in a world where the disastrous Robbie Ray is a big-time deadline target and talked about as a difference-maker, why can’t Duffy be someone who can help a team looking for a solid back-end starter who could be something more?

Duffy hasn’t posted an above-average campaign since 2017’s 9-10, 3.81 season, but he’s still just 32, and has been largely the same pitcher for a decade — a solid-velocity lefty with a wipeout breaking ball who hasn’t quite hit his ceiling. Entering his walk year, this is the cheapest he’s ever been and will ever be on the trade market. It’s probably time to pounce.