The New York Yankees' need for a starting pitcher this offseason is based on one critical element — short-term uncertainty. Uncertainty when Gerrit Cole will make his 2026 debut, and what can be expected out of him once he does. Ditto for Carlos Rodón.
Then there's the uncertainty regarding whether or not Cam Schlittler can take the next step in his development and bring forth a secondary weapon to complement his blazing fastball. There's uncertainty as to whether or not Luis Gil will get his act together and stay healthy at the same time. There's uncertainty as to whether we'll see Clarke Schmidt at all.