As pitchers and catchers report to George M. Steinbrenner Field, the atmosphere around the New York Yankees is a mix of championship ambition and medical anxiety. While the blockbuster acquisition of Max Fried has fans dreaming of October, the reality of February is much grimmer.

With Gerrit Cole (Tommy John recovery) and Carlos Rodón (elbow) both slated to miss the start of the 2026 season, and Clarke Schmidt also on the shelf, Brian Cashman’s path to October is looking dangerously fragile. 

The Yankees have plenty of young talent in Will Warren and Cam Schlittler, but counting on them to carry a rotation in the AL East is a gamble the Bronx Bombers can’t afford.

As the late-winter market thins out, here are three free-agent starters the Yankees could still sign today to stabilize the rotation.

1. Chris Bassitt (RHP)

If there is a “perfect” Yankee target remaining, it’s Chris Bassitt. One of the best remaining MLB free agents available, the veteran right-hander is more than just an insurance policy. He’s a durable workhorse with postseason experience, who has made at least 30 starts in each of the last four seasons.

The Pitch: Bassitt is coming off a strong 2025 campaign with the Blue Jays, capped by a brilliant postseason where he posted a 1.04 ERA.

The Rumor: MLB insiders have recently projected the Yankees among the frontrunners for Bassitt on a two-year, $38 million deal.

Why it works: At 37, Bassitt doesn’t require a long-term commitment. He is a “plug-and-play” veteran who knows the AL East and can soak up 170+ innings while Cole and Rodón rehab.

2. Lucas Giolito (RHP)

Giolito is the high-upside “wild card” of the remaining market. After a bounce-back 2025 season with the Red Sox (3.41 ERA in 26 starts), he has proven his elbow issues are behind him.

The Pitch: Giolito offers a higher strikeout ceiling than Bassitt. When his changeup is on, he pitches like a frontline starter.

The Rumor: The Yankees and Orioles are reportedly locked in a late-February battle for his services, with a two-year deal in the $40M range expected.

Why it works: Giolito would not just be a “fill-in.” If he maintains his 2025 form, he becomes a formidable #3 starter even after Cole returns, giving the Yankees a playoff rotation of Fried, Cole, and Giolito.

3. Zack Littell (RHP) 

If the Yankees are looking for an option with high upside without breaking the bank, Zack Littell is the name to watch. After a career-best 2025 where he logged 186.2 innings between Tampa Bay and Cincinnati, Littell has reinvented himself as a strike-throwing machine.

The Pitch: Littell led the majors in 2025 with the lowest walk rate (4.2%) among all qualified starters. His swing rate of 51.4% in 2025 was tied for the sixth-best mark among pitchers who reached at least 150 innings.

The Rumor: With his market value projected at roughly $13–$15 million per year, he is a significantly cheaper alternative to the top-tier arms and is also one of the youngest high-impact starters remaining on the market (30).

Why it works: Pitching coach Matt Blake has a history of developing veterans. Littell’s elite command and 5-pitch mix make him an ideal candidate for the Yankees’ pitching lab. He provides the one thing the Yankees need most right now: guaranteed strikes and deep outings to protect a taxed bullpen.

The Bottom Line

The Yankees have the offense to win, but they can’t afford a repeat of 2024 where early-season pitching depth cost them the division. 

Whether it’s the reliability of Bassitt, the upside of Giolito, or the pinpoint control of Littell, Brian Cashman needs to make one more move before the Grapefruit League schedule begins.

By trading for Max Schuemann, the Yankees have already proven that they are focused on shoring up all of the holes on their roster before Opening Day.

One more reliable arm now could be the difference between surviving April and scrambling in September.