This offseason, the New York Yankees have been reported to be in on a few different pitching targets, with Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins being one of the more recent targets.
After he was traded to the Chicago Cubs, the Yankees needed to pivot to other options, whether it's in the trade or free agent market. And if they explore free agency, one starter is an ideal fit.
As outlined by David Schoenfield of ESPN, the Yankees are looking for a safe starter who won't be a major liability as they deal with some rotation uncertainty. Their best bet would be to target Cincinnati Reds free agent and innings eater Nick Martinez as their top choice.
Yankees' ideal pitcher fit is Reds' Nick Martinez
Schoenfield named three starters who would make sense around the league for the second tier of free agents. Chris Bassitt, Lucas Giolito, and Martinez were the three named starters.
For the Yankees, their ideal fit of these three would be Martinez. Schoenfield explained why the other two are not the best options for the Yankees this winter.
"As mentioned, Bassitt isn't a good fit for Yankee Stadium." Schoenfield writes. "Giolito missed the 2025 postseason as he experienced late-season elbow soreness, so the Yankees might want to stay away from a pitcher with a health risk."
Bassitt gets mashed by left-handed hitters, allowing an.844 OPS to lefty hitters, and in the lefty-friendly Yankee Stadium, it would be a recipe for disaster.
Giolito, on the other hand, has some injury concerns, which is the exact opposite thing the Yankees are looking for as they try to fill a hole left by injured starters Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon.
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If the Yankees weren't so concerned about their current injuries, Giolito might make more sense. But, since they are, innings-eaters, and Reds veteran Martinez is their best option.
He's coming off a 4.45 ERA season across 26 starts for the Reds, and while he's been somewhat inconsistent over the last few years, he's routinely pitched at least 100 innings in all but one season since his MLB debut.
A career 4.16 ERA isn't the best, but he will be a cheaper option for the Yankees and won't need to be a staff ace, as he fills in until Rodon and Cole can return to form this upcoming season.
Martinez is one of the more ideal fits this offseason for the Yankees, as the innings-eating righty would be a great option for a shaky rotation in New York in 2026.
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