New York Yankees and Mets Face Setback with Roki Sasaki News: 5 Impact Pitchers They Could Target Instead, Including Max Scherzer
The excitement surrounding Roki Sasaki, Japan’s young pitching phenom, has reached a fever pitch in the MLB community. However, recent developments have thrown a wrench into any hopes that the New York Yankees or the New York Mets may have had of acquiring Sasaki, who is considered one of the best prospects in the world. With Sasaki potentially remaining in Japan for the foreseeable future, both teams will need to pivot and look elsewhere for impactful pitchers to bolster their rotations. While the loss of Sasaki would undoubtedly be a blow, the good news is that there are still several ace-caliber pitchers available in the trade and free-agent markets. In this article, we will explore five impact pitchers that the Yankees and Mets could target as they search for alternatives to Sasaki.
1. Max Scherzer
Team: New York Mets
Max Scherzer is no stranger to New York, having pitched for the Mets since 2022. Despite an up-and-down 2023 season, Scherzer remains one of the most respected and accomplished pitchers in baseball. With three Cy Young Awards to his name and a wealth of postseason experience, Scherzer could be an ideal candidate for both the Yankees and Mets as they look to shore up their starting rotations.
For the Mets, Scherzer represents a chance to continue to capitalize on his leadership and high-end stuff, assuming he can maintain his velocity and command. If Scherzer can remain healthy, he is still capable of being an ace, and his presence in the rotation provides significant value in high-leverage situations.
The Yankees, meanwhile, could also benefit from Scherzer’s experience, particularly if they’re looking to add a veteran presence to complement their younger arms. Scherzer has pitched in some of the most important games of his career, and his postseason pedigree would be an asset to the Yankees, who are eyeing another World Series title.
While Scherzer is on the older side at 39 years old, his pedigree and competitive nature make him a viable option for a team that needs an experienced front-line starter. The question is whether the Mets would be willing to trade him, given their current state of the roster. However, Scherzer could provide a short-term boost for either New York team.
2. Justin Verlander
Team: Houston Astros
Justin Verlander is another veteran ace who remains highly productive despite his age. At 41 years old, Verlander defies the typical aging curve, delivering elite performances season after season. He was dominant in 2023, winning his third Cy Young Award, and he still possesses one of the most unhittable fastballs in baseball. The Astros will likely want to keep Verlander, but with the team’s potential shift towards rebuilding or restructuring, a trade might be in the cards, particularly if Verlander has a no-trade clause that limits where he can go.
For both the Yankees and Mets, Verlander’s leadership and ability to handle pressure in big games would be an immediate upgrade to any rotation. The Yankees have been linked to Verlander in trade rumors before, and they could see his arrival as a boost to a rotation that has dealt with injury concerns. For the Mets, Verlander’s familiarity with postseason baseball would be a huge advantage as they try to re-establish themselves as a contender in the NL East.
Verlander’s contract may pose a challenge in terms of financial flexibility, but his ability to remain one of the top pitchers in the game, even at 40+, means the risk could be worth it for a team looking for a short-term solution in the starting rotation. Adding Verlander could help solidify the top of either team’s rotation and provide a potential ace in the playoffs.
3. Dylan Cease
Team: Chicago White Sox
Dylan Cease has become one of the premier young pitchers in MLB over the past few seasons. The 28-year-old right-hander has a devastating fastball-slider combination and a nasty curveball that has helped him develop into a strikeout machine. Cease’s ERA has consistently been below 3.50 in recent years, and his performance has earned him recognition as one of the top arms in the American League.
Cease is an intriguing option for both the Yankees and Mets because he is still in the prime of his career and is under team control for several years. The White Sox are in the midst of a rebuild, which makes Cease a prime candidate to be traded for a haul of prospects and young talent. Both New York teams could offer a package that would entice Chicago to move their ace.
For the Yankees, Cease would provide a much-needed power arm to pair with Gerrit Cole at the top of the rotation, forming a dynamic 1-2 punch. The Mets, meanwhile, could benefit from Cease’s electric stuff, particularly if they are looking to revamp their starting staff around younger arms. His strikeout ability and high upside make him an attractive target for both teams.
Acquiring Cease would likely require significant trade assets, but his potential and remaining years of control make him a valuable addition to either team’s rotation.
4. Marcus Stroman
Team: Chicago Cubs
Marcus Stroman is another pitcher who could help solidify the starting rotations of the Yankees or Mets. The 32-year-old right-hander has had a strong career, and his 2023 season was another solid campaign for the Cubs. Stroman’s ability to generate ground balls and control the strike zone makes him a reliable innings-eater who can give a team valuable starts throughout the season.
For the Yankees, Stroman would provide depth to the rotation and give them a reliable arm that can eat innings, especially as they contend for a postseason spot. His ability to manage high-pressure situations, combined with his consistency, would be a strong addition to New York’s pitching staff. Similarly, for the Mets, Stroman is familiar with the organization and could offer a similar boost to the Mets’ rotation, especially as they look to balance experience with younger talent.
While Stroman may not have the same high ceiling as some of the other names on this list, he’s a consistent pitcher who could complement an otherwise star-studded staff. His experience in New York and his reputation for being a clubhouse leader make him a great fit for both teams looking for a steady presence on the mound.
5. Sonny Gray
Team: Minnesota Twins
Sonny Gray has enjoyed a resurgence in recent seasons, earning his second All-Star appearance in 2023. The 34-year-old right-hander had an excellent season with the Minnesota Twins, posting an ERA just above 3.00 and showcasing excellent command. Gray’s ability to limit walks and miss bats makes him an appealing option for teams looking to add a quality starter without the risk of a major financial commitment.
For both the Yankees and Mets, Gray provides a reliable mid-rotation arm who can be counted on to give strong innings throughout the season. The Yankees are familiar with Gray from his previous stint with the team, and they could pursue a reunion if they’re looking for a reliable arm who can provide stability. For the Mets, Gray would offer a solid, under-the-radar option to help round out their starting rotation and could be a key piece in a potential playoff run.
Gray may not be a household name like Scherzer or Verlander, but his impressive control and effectiveness against both left- and right-handed batters make him a solid addition to any contending team’s rotation.
Conclusion
The news that Roki Sasaki may not be coming to the MLB anytime soon is undoubtedly a disappointment for the New York Yankees and Mets. However, both teams still have viable options available to them in the form of experienced aces, emerging young talent, and reliable veterans. Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander offer immediate impact with their proven track records, while Dylan Cease, Marcus Stroman, and Sonny Gray provide younger or more affordable alternatives that could help stabilize the pitching staff for years to come. As both teams look to improve their rosters, they are not without options to strengthen their rotations and continue their pursuit of postseason glory.
