The New York Yankees are looking to solidify their starting rotation for the 2015 MLB season, and recent reports indicated that the free-agent pitcher Max Scherzer is reportedly on their radar.
Player agent Scott Boras said in a recent interview that Scherzer is the type of pitcher who could help any team improve significantly next season.
Scherzer went 18-5 with a 3.15 ERA and 252 strikeouts in 33 starts for the Detroit Tigers last season. According to Boras, the Yankees could win the World Series next season if they decide to sign the 30-year-old pitcher.
"I can't predict what the Yankees are going to do, but I can tell you a guy like Max fits into their starting rotation to develop a World Series-caliber set that is similar to what they have had in the past when they have won," Boras told ESPN.
The Yankees had a formidable rotation heading into last season led by veteran pitcher CC Sabathia and rookie sensation Masahiro Tanaka. However, most of their starters were unavailable last season due to various injuries, which made most MLB analysts believe that changes should be made this offseason.
But when asked if they are planning to make a strong push to sign Scherzer this offseason, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told NY Daily News that the seven-year veteran's current asking price is too high.
According to reports, Scherzer is looking for a long-term deal worth around $200 million or higher than the six-year, $155 million contract Jon Lester signed with the Chicago Cubs last week.
"I think that's a lot higher level than we're willing to play in right now," Cashman said when asked about the salary Scherzer is looking for. "I don't think Yankee fans will be looking at Max Scherzer."
Meanwhile, in other Yankees-related news, free-agent third baseman Chase Headley decided to remain in New York after accepting a four-year deal on Monday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but ESPN New York reported that the 30-year-old's contract is worth $52 million.
Headley, who was traded to the Yankees from San Diego Padres halfway through last season, also received lucrative offer from the San Francisco Giants, but the eight-year veteran opted to stay in New York.
Headley, who batted .243 last season with 13 homeruns and 49 RBIs, is expected to start at third base despite the impending return of veteran Alex Rodriguez, who was suspended last season for his involvement on the MLB Biogenesis scandal.
