Yankees Considering Reunion with Frankie Montas in Free Agency
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — After a lackluster performance during his time with the Yankees, Frankie Montas could potentially make a return to the team in free agency.
Sources have revealed that the Yankees are contemplating adding Montas to their rotation, as the offseason gets underway this week, according to The Post’s Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman.
While the Yankees have more pressing needs to address, such as improving their offense, Montas could provide valuable depth to their rotation, especially if they decide to trade a pitcher to acquire a bat.
Despite Montas’ previous struggles, the Yankees were initially impressed with him when they acquired him from the Athletics at the 2022 trade deadline. Unfortunately, his performance did not live up to expectations, as he later admitted to not being fully healthy at the time of the trade. Montas pitched to a 6.35 ERA across eight starts in 2022 before undergoing shoulder surgery in February.
However, the Yankees now have a better understanding of Montas’ physical condition after he spent most of this season rehabbing at the club’s minor league complex in Tampa. He made a successful return to the mound, pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen in the second-to-last game of the season against the Royals.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed his confidence in Montas, stating that he could envision a scenario where Montas returns to the team for the next season. Boone praised Montas’ talent and leadership qualities, highlighting his dedication to rehab and mentorship of younger players in Tampa.
Montas himself expressed his desire to continue playing for the Yankees.
As it stands, the Yankees’ rotation is set to include Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, Michael King, and Clarke Schmidt. Additionally, the team is expected to pursue Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Yankees Eyeing James Rowson as Next Hitting Coach
The Yankees are strongly considering James Rowson as their next hitting coach, according to a report by The Post’s Joel Sherman.
Rowson, who served as the Tigers’ assistant hitting coach in 2023, has received an offer from the Yankees. He previously spent six years as the Yankees’ minor league hitting coordinator, during which time he worked with players like Aaron Judge as they progressed through the minors.
Rowson also has experience as the hitting coach for the Twins from 2017 to 2019 and as the Marlins’ bench coach from 2020 to 2022.
In addition to hiring a new hitting coach, the Yankees will also need to find a replacement for bench coach Carlos Mendoza, who recently became the manager of the Mets. One possibility is moving third-base coach Luis Rojas, a former Mets manager, into the bench coach role. Alternatively, the Yankees may seek a more experienced candidate to serve as Manager Aaron Boone’s second-in-command.
Several Players Elect Free Agency, Yankees Add Carlos Narvaez to Roster
Outfielders Franchy Cordero and Billy McKinney, as well as pitchers Jimmy Cordero, Matt Bowman, and Ryan Weber, have elected free agency instead of accepting an outright assignment from the Yankees.
These moves have created an open spot on the Yankees’ 40-man roster, which they have filled by adding catcher Carlos Narvaez. The 24-year-old, who finished the season at Triple-A, was at risk of being taken in the Rule 5 draft if not placed on the 40-man roster.
Gerrit Cole Named Finalist for AL Cy Young Award
New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole has been named a finalist for the American League Cy Young award. Cole is joined by Kevin Gausman and Sonny Gray as the top contenders for the prestigious honor.
Cole, who is considered the heavy favorite to win his first career Cy Young, will find out the results when the award is announced on November 15.