The New York Yankees will be without starting pitchers Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt to begin 2026, as they are all recovering from their respective surgeries. 

Even with last season’s emergence of Cam Schlittler and the reliable innings-eater that Will Warren became, New York could use another arm in the rotation. 

“One Tyler Mahle could fit that bill, as a reasonably cheap option to fill an early-season void in the starting rotation,” Sam Chapman of Pinstripe Alley wrote Tuesday. “The 31-year-old righty has had an up-and-down and injury-riddled career in the Major Leagues, but is coming off of some of his finest work in 16 starts with the Rangers last season. It would certainly come with risk, but a pitcher like Mahle could make some sense for the 2026 Yankees.” 

Mahle posted a 2.18 ERA and averaged 6.9 strikeouts per nine innings in 2025 with the Texas Rangers. 

Yankees may strike out on top starters 

The Yankees are still rumored to be involved in the free agent market for starting pitchers, including Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai. But other big names like Dylan Cease and Michael King are off the board. 

Mahle is not an All-Star caliber player, but the Yankees do not necessarily need him to be. Manager Aaron Boone could use him as a swingman when Cole and Rodon return. 

Mahle signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Rangers before the 2024 season, and his next deal should be around that range. 

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