The New York Yankees are likely to pursue some pitching help this offseason, especially with key starters dealing with injuries. Gerrit Cole could miss the start of the season, while Carlos Rodon recently underwent surgery and will be sidelined for the beginning of the year. With these setbacks, the Yankees have a clear need to bolster their starting rotation.
MLB Trade Rumors insider Anthony Franco predicts that New York will sign future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander to a one-year, $22 million deal. “Verlander will turn 43 in February, but the future Hall of Famer has no plans to call it quits,” the report states. “Coming off yet another solid season at age 42, it’s easy to understand why. Though poor support from his lineup and bullpen left the three-time Cy Young winner with just a 4-11 record on the season, everything else in Verlander’s profile still has the look of a mid-rotation starter.”
In 2025, Verlander pitched 152 innings with a 3.85 ERA, a 20.7% strikeout rate, a 7.9% walk rate, and a 34.5% ground-ball rate — numbers that showcase his continued effectiveness on the mound.
While Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey has voiced interest in a Verlander reunion, the veteran pitcher will likely be on the radar of many contending clubs. Signing with a winning team is surely a priority for the 43-year-old, who is aiming for a third World Series ring and hopes to approach 300 career wins. Currently, Verlander is 34 wins shy of that milestone and has previously spoken about pitching until age 45.
For the Yankees, Verlander would serve as a back-of-the-rotation arm capable of eating innings while Cole and Rodon recover from injury. Beyond his on-field contributions, he would bring veteran leadership to the clubhouse and help guide younger pitchers like Cam Schlittler and Luis Gil.
### Verlander Plans to Pitch in 2026
Despite being 42 and turning 43 before the start of the season, Verlander plans to continue pitching in 2026. The future Hall of Famer has made it clear he wants to take the mound next year as long as he receives an offer.
“I would hope somebody would offer me a contract now,” Verlander told USA Today in September.
With 266 career wins under his belt, a return to the mound would keep him on track toward that elusive 300-win mark, though he acknowledges the difficulty. “I mean, I’m human,” Verlander said. “I think we all know. Like everybody in this locker room, all of you guys (reporters), and most of baseball kind of understand where I’m at.”
Verlander’s accolades include three Cy Young Awards, one AL MVP honor, and two World Series championships.
### Yankees Will Start 2026 Without Cole & Rodon
As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Yankees will begin without Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon in their starting rotation.
Cole is currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and is expected to return shortly after Opening Day. Rodon underwent surgery on his left elbow to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur, which will keep him out for the beginning of the season.
“When you build in all the ramp-up and the throwing program and getting him ready to be a starting pitcher, that probably delays him potentially a couple of weeks to start the season,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone explained.
With those two starters sidelined early on, the Yankees are expected to pursue at least one starting pitcher this offseason to strengthen their rotation heading into 2026.
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