The Yankees Need a Better Team, Not Another Ace

On November 4, 2026, the Yankees’ potential interest in Tarik Skubal raises a question of priorities: whether to add one of baseball’s top pitchers or address the other weaknesses that contributed to their postseason elimination. Skubal is projected to seek an eight-year, $352 million contract, averaging $44 million a year.

New York already had MLB’s best starting-rotation ERA in the 2026 regular season, at 3.30, and its pitchers posted a 2.63 ERA over five postseason games. Cam Schlittler, Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, Ryan Weathers, Gerrit Cole and Will Warren are among the starters under team control for 2027. Schlittler, 25, finished the season with 239 strikeouts in 193⅔ innings and a 2.56 FIP.

The projected deal would add to the Yankees’ existing commitments to Cole, Fried and Rodón, whose original guarantees total $704 million. Skubal turns 30 in November and has undergone multiple elbow operations: Tommy John surgery while in college, a flexor tendon operation in 2022 and a further procedure in 2026. Cole and Rodón are under contract through 2028, while Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes could reach free agency after 2029, though there is no certainty he will become available or sign with New York.

The Yankees’ postseason problems included defensive errors and missed chances at the plate. They made four errors in Game 2 against Tampa Bay, three in the first inning behind Schlittler. The team also faces questions at second and third base and needs a right-handed bat, along with bullpen depth. Closer David Bednar received a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer and has until November 17 to decide whether to accept it. Tim Hill and Ryan Yarbrough are also reaching free agency, leaving the Yankees with decisions to make beyond their rotation.