All off season the belief was that the New York Yankees would sign their top pitching target Upstate New York native Patrick Corbin. We now know that will not be the case as Corbin has agreed to a 6 year $140 million contract with the Washington Nationals. So where will the Yankees look next to complete their starting rotation? I have three possibilities I think are likely.

Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees
Getty Images
loading...

J.A. Happ was possibly the most reliable starting pitcher the Yankees had after he arrived in New York. His one start against the Red Sox in the playoffs didn't go as planned but Happ could be a cost effective stalwart in the Yankees rotation.

New York Mets v New York Yankees
Getty Images
loading...

If the Yankees are looking to bring in a RHP Nathan Eovaldi could be set to return to the Bronx. His first go round was a bit of a roller coaster but after his second Tommy John Surgery Eovaldi rehabbed with the Marlins and was key to the Red Sox winning the World Series.

Melbourne Aces v Brisbane Bandits
Getty Images
loading...

My third option is a bit of an unknown, Yusei Kikuchi is a 27 year old left handed Japanese star for the Seibu Lions. He is now available to MLB teams and if the Yankees want him they would have until January 2nd to get a deal done. The Lions would receive a posting fee based on Kikuchi's contract.

There's also a chance LHP Dallas Keuchel could be on the Yankees radar but three names above are the ones I find most likely. There's also a chance the Yankees bring in all three. I would not be surprised if two of the three end up in pinstripes this season now that the Yankees missed out on Patrick Corbin.

More From 104.5 THE TEAM