SAN DIEGO — No Jacob deGrom, no Justin Verlander.
If the Yankees want to make a big splash in the free-agent starting pitcher market, Carlos Rodon might be the only option left.
And if the first part of the offseason has proven anything, it’s that elite starters will be costly.
According to sources, Rodon is seeking a deal in the neighborhood of six years and as much as $180 million.
The Yankees remain interested in the lefty, who is coming off two stellar seasons — including last year with the Giants — and has finally shown signs he can stay healthy after battling injuries.
He pitched to a 2.67 ERA in 2021 and ’22.
Prior to his recent breakout, the third overall pick in the 2014 amateur draft had been mostly a disappointment.
Carlos Rodon pitching for the Giants against the Diamondbacks on Sept. 23, 2022. APAnd since he rejected the Giants’ $19.65 million qualifying offer, signing Rodon would also cost the Yankees a pair of draft picks.
The team’s top priority remains keeping Aaron Judge in The Bronx.
It’s possible the team could make a significant move even without a decision on Judge, but they would like to get that done before too long.
Carlos Rodon pitching for the Giants against the Dodgers on July 21, 2022. APGeneral manager Brian Cashman is expected to arrive at the Winter Meetings at the Grand Hyatt on Monday and has his work cut out for him, with the Yankees still in the market for two outfielders — one of which they hope is Judge — a starting pitcher and perhaps some bullpen help.
Sources said the Yankees are still engaged with Andrew Benintendi, but there’s plenty of competition for the lefty-swinging outfielder who is coming off a broken hamate bone that sidelined him at the end of last season.
