Yankees need another lefty starter when they turn page on Happ and Paxton

It’s clear the Yankees are moving on from JA Happ and James Paxton, but who will be the lefty that replaces them?

The New York Yankees have their issues when it comes to the starting rotation heading into the 2021 campaign. There are a lot of question marks with those who toed the rubber for the team in 2020. J.A. Happ, Masahiro Tanaka and James Paxton are all entering free agency, which leaves the Yankees with mostly young arms to replace these veterans.

When it comes to Tanaka, he has equity with the team, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Yankees brought him back for another run. When it comes to Happ and Paxton, their time is likely coming to an end in the Bronx, meaning Brian Cashman is going to have to find another left-handed option for the starting rotation.

Jordan Montgomery returned to the Yankees rotation after missing nearly all of 2019 due to Tommy John surgery, but like Happ and Paxton, he struggled. He started 10 games and maintained a 5.11 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. Not great. He will return in 2021 as the only left-handed starter, and it’s clear the Yankees need another in case Monty doesn’t pan out.

Happ and Paxton have had a few bright moments in pinstripes, but not enough to rely on them moving forward. For general manager Brian Cashman, the time has come to find another left-handed starter, and there are a few available, including former aces in guys like Jon Lester and Cole Hamels.

Hamels dealt with a shoulder issue this past season, making only one start for the Atlanta Braves. Lester started 12 games for the Cubs, but went 3-3 with a 5.16 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. It was only two years ago that Lester was an All-Star and posted a 3.32 mark for the Chicago Cubs, so he’s someone the Yankees may want to take a look at this offseason, especially given his experience in the AL East.

Mike Minor is another left-hander they could take a look at since his value has tanked after a bad 2020 campaign. He was an All-Star in 2019, but was downright bad with the Rangers to start the season and then with the Athletics after the trade deadline. Perhaps a change of scenery could help the veteran, and the Yankees could get a bargain out of it.

As it stands, the Yankees rotation in 2021 will be led by Gerrit Cole once again, and the hope is they can get a healthy Luis Severino back to be the No. 2. Deivi Garcia will likely break camp in the rotation and will be joined by Montgomery, but as of now, the Yankees have questions with the back end of the rotation, and it’s a big area of need this offseason.

Another veteran lefty with ample MLB experience would go a long way in helping stabilize this unit.

3 former Yankees Brian Cashman should avoid signing in free agency

The New York Yankees have the opportunity to reunite with a few former members of their roster in free agency in 2021. They should not do that.