MLB Rumors: Yankees Could Land Both Ubaldo Jimenez And Masahiro Tanaka To Fill Starting Rotation

Still looking to balance out their pitching rotation, the New York Yankees remain in the market for at least two of the biggest free agent pitchers. After a spending period that saw the club fill holes at positions including catcher (Brian McCann), outfield (Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran) and along the infield (Brian Roberts, Brendan Ryan and Kelly Johnson), the Yankees are now focused on adding strong arms to a starting rotation that could certainly use a boost. Following a season that saw them miss the playoffs for just the second time in 19 years, New York is reportedly in the market for Japanese star Masahiro Tanaka and 29-year-old Ubaldo Jimenez.

According to multiple sources, many general managers across the landscape of Major League Baseball feel the Yankees could sign Jimenez even if they ink a deal with the 25-year-old Japanese sensation. Jimenez pitched last season for the Cleveland Indians, posting a 13-9 record with a 3.30 ERA for the year. The Cleveland righty was 6-5 in the second half of the Indians campaign as well, recording a 1.82 ERA over that span. Jimenez – who will be 30 by the time Spring Training rolls around – would be a tremendous edition to a starting five that at the moment includes only three guarantees in CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda and Ivan Nova.

“He had an excellent second half, has great stuff, and he has the type of personality that would fit New York,” one unnamed general manager said of Jimenez recently. “He doesn’t let things get to him. He’s good at shrugging off things and turning the page.” While Jimenez remains on New York's radar, the club is still expected to pursue Masahiro Tanaka. Though they'd like to remain under the $189 million tax threshold, Yankees higher-ups have repeatedly said that the tax threshold line is only a goal and not a mandate, leaving open the possibility that the Bronx Bombers land two of the biggest free agent pitchers on the market.

Recently posted by the Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Japanese Pacific League, Masahiro Tanaka – who finished last season with an unblemished record of 24-0 with a 1.24 ERA for the champion Eagles – was first contacted by the New York Yankees after he was officially made available and the talks are now headed in a forward direction. Competition for his services will come from the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and others, but many believe the Yankees to be the favorites.

While Tanaka is looking to receive upwards of $17 million per season from the team that signs him, MLB Trade Rumors believe Ubaldo Jimenez will strike a three-year, $39 million contract.