NEWS: The Yankees’ back-of-rotation option could be a former All-Star.

A former starter for the Minnesota Twins could be the veteran option the New York Yankees have been waiting for.

With the signing of Marcus Stroman, the New York Yankees added a big addition to their pitching rotation via free agency.

However, if the Yankees are so inclined, a new free agent might push them further down the rotation, falling into the category of “you can never have too much pitching.”

Jake Odorizzi is a former All-Star, which is wonderful news.

Following arthroscopic debridement surgery on his right shoulder in April of last year, Odorizzi missed the entirety of 2023. He was a member of the Texas Rangers at the time, and it was anticipated that he would strengthen their rotation. He was on the Rangers’ injured list for the entire season as the team won its first World Series.

Odorizzi is currently pitching without limitations and has worked from a mound with up to 12 Major League teams in attendance, according to an MLB Network report on Monday. In the upcoming weeks, he hopes to sign an agreement, ideally a Major League one.

Gerrit Cole, the current American League Cy Young winner who took home the trophy for the first time last season, anchors the Yankees’ rotation.

After missing half of the previous season due to injury, Carlos Rodón, the team’s main acquisition from the previous year, hopes to return in 2024. Clarke Schmidt, Stroman, and Nestor Cortes may complete a five-man rotation.

However, the Yankees also have Luis Gil, Yoendrys Gómez, and Clayton Beeter—one of their best prospects.

The Yankees may want to consider Odorizzi as a veteran option for the rear of their rotation.

Odorizzi finished the 2022 season as a pitcher for Atlanta. With Minnesota in 2019, Odorizzi played in his lone All-Star Game and recorded a career-high 15 victories. His career record is 74-69 with a 3.99 ERA. In four separate seasons, he has also made at least 30 starts.

Odorizzi, who made his MLB debut in 2012 with the Kansas City Royals, was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft. He has ten years of experience in the league. After that, he played for Houston, Tampa Bay, and Minnesota.