CC Sabathia will be out likely until at least July as he undergoes treatment for a degenerative right knee condition. Here’s a look at a few starting pitchers, listed alphabetically, whom the Yankees could pursue on the trade front:
Bronson Arroyo, Diamondbacks: Durable right-hander, but hasn’t pitched in AL since 2005. Signed through 2015 with 2016 option.
Mark Buehrle, Blue Jays: Veteran lefty off to brilliant start (7-1, 2.11 ERA), but Toronto is hanging in the race. Signed through next season.
Jason Hammel, Cubs: Veteran off to strong start (3.06 ERA) heading into Tuesday’s outing vs. Yankees. Right-hander has AL East experience, spending previous two seasons with Orioles and 2006-08 with Rays.
Cliff Lee, Phillies: Yankees failed to sign him after 2010. He is locked up through 2015 with 2016 option. Turns 36 in August, but remains one of sport’s best LHPs.
Francisco Liriano, Pirates: Not pitching as well as last season, but free-agent-to-be lefty putting up OK numbers (0-3, 4.25 ERA) for struggling Pittsburgh. Struggled mightily in AL in 2011-12.
Justin Masterson, Indians: Disappointing campaign for talented righty (5.06 ERA) and his team (last place in AL Central). Free agent after season.
David Price, Rays: The best of the bunch here. Might be difficult for Yankees to land elite southpaw from fellow AL East team. Free agent after 2015.
Jeff Samardzija, Cubs: Owns MLB’s second-best ERA (1.62) and will face Yankees at Wrigley on Wednesday. Not a free agent until after 2015.