At one point in his Yankee career, was the most important pitcher in the starting rotation. From 2009-2012 Sabathia pitched to an ERA in the low threes. The first three years he finished top five in Cy Young voting. The fourth year he ended the season with his best strikeout to walk ratio ever. He was their ace, and he was crucial to their run of playoff appearances.
Sabathia is obviously no longer an ace. Or a number two pitcher. Or even really a number three or four pitcher. But he’s arguably the most valuable number five pitcher in baseball.