Yankees: 5 possible trade candidates with hot stove nearing

2. Domingo Germán

Let’s quickly dive into the rotation. Here’s what it’ll likely be in 2022:

• Gerrit Cole
• Jordan Montgomery
• Nestor Cortes Jr.
• Jameson Taillon
• Free-Agent Signing
• Free-Agent Signing/Prospect?

If Domingo Germán is in the team’s plans to be one of the team’s six starters soaking up valuable innings, then it’s clear they’re not as serious about winning as the fanbase is. Germán just isn’t that great, and the Yankees caused themselves PR heartache when they decided to hold onto him amid domestic abuse allegations, which resulted in a lengthy suspension. He pitched for the first time in 2021 since Sept. of 2019.

He pitched in 22 games (18 starts) and couldn’t even break the 100-inning mark. His 4.58 ERA was right in line with his 4.31 FIP. Not terrible, and a team would certainly take that for the back of their rotation for the projected price of $2.1 million in 2022. The bottom line is that Germán needs to start — he’s very much not a reliever — and we don’t see him contributing in such fashion in another year where the Yankees need to rid themselves of embarrassment.

Germán won’t be the centerpiece of any deal, but as an add-on? Can’t say teams would be opposed to it.