“I don’t think the top free agent options left fit what the Yankees need: Blake Snell has way too much [Carlos] Rodon-type risk to him, Jordan Montgomery will cost about what Rodon did last offseason and offer less upside while also not being the type of pitcher the Yankees have targeted (i.e., younger or with better raw stuff),” Kiley McDaniel of ESPN wrote. “After those two, the remaining free agent starters are mid-rotation types and New York needs more impact than that.”

Given the state of the market, the Yankees will have to pay top dollar for either starter, which doesn’t necessarily fit the bill for what Cashman is trying to accomplish. Both Montgomery and Snell are 31 years old, meaning a long-term deal would bring them into the latter end of their prime, which could experience massive regression. The Yankees already signed Carlos Rodan to a six-year, $162 million the last off-season, making it unlikely they will spend that type of money again on a player above 30.

With that being said, Snell is a far bigger risk than Montgomery, given his inconsistencies and injuries over the years. Snell pitched 180 innings this past season with the San Diego Padres, which is an anomaly after pitching fewer than 130 innings for the past four consecutive years. Of course, they would be betting on his upside and running back an elite season, but that is a significant risk and one Cashman is likely unwilling to take.

The Yankees’ offense will have to get creative with the rotation, potentially trading for a player on an expiring deal or waiting until the trade deadline next summer to make a move. One thing is for sure: The team needs several youngsters to step up, not notably Clarke Schmidt, Will Warren, And potentially Hampton.