TAMPA — Even if certain members of the Yankees’ rotation didn’t carry an “injury-prone” tag, there’s a good chance they would need more than five starters to get through the season.

Four of their best depth options are now Padres. That’s the price it takes — Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez and Drew Thorpe — to land someone such as Juan Soto (and Trent Grisham).

Of course, Brito and Vasquez were two largely unknown quantities at this time last year before making an impression in spring training and then getting their chances for spot starts during the regular season, including Brito opening the year with the Yankees.

There is a next wave of pitching prospects who are waiting in the wings for their own chances this year, led by Will Warren, Chase Hampton and Clayton Beeter. The Yankees also brought in additional depth options such as Cody Poteet, Luke Weaver and Cody Morris.