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Yankees expected to bring back injured starter despite finances

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 12:54 GMT by Newsweek
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Yankees Gear Up to Re‑Invite Injured Starter Mike Sabath Amid Pay‑Check Concerns

The New York Yankees are reportedly poised to bring back veteran left‑handed pitcher Mike Sabath, even as the club grapples with a burgeoning payroll and looming financial scrutiny from Major League Baseball. The move, if confirmed, would see Sabath return to the starting rotation after missing the first half of the 2024 campaign with a torn flexor tendon. While the decision has sparked heated debate among analysts and fans alike, the Yankees’ front office appears determined to fill a critical void in their pitching staff—despite potential budgetary fallout.

Why Sabath?

Sabath’s 2023 season, albeit brief, showcased a skill set the Yankees desperately need: a high‑velocity, curveball‑heavy starter capable of handling the long ball against the American League’s offensive powerhouses. The Yankees’ current rotation has been hit hard by injuries, with star right‑hander Gerrit Cole sidelined for most of the year and lefty Dylan Cease dealing with a hamstring issue. Sabath’s left‑handed delivery, coupled with a 93‑mph fastball, makes him a natural fit for the “squeeze play” the Yankees employ when pitching to power hitters.

“Mike Sabath brings a level of command and strike‑out potential that we’re missing,” said former Yankees pitcher and current television analyst Tom Wheeler. “If he can recover quickly, he’s the type of pitcher that can take on a 12‑game stretch with an average of five innings each.”

Sabath’s track record, however, is not without blemish. He has had a career ERA hovering around 3.50, but his performance in high‑pressure games has been inconsistent. Despite this, the Yankees’ front office has reportedly reached out to Sabath’s agent, Mike Baker, indicating that a three‑year, $42 million deal is on the table. The terms include a $13 million signing bonus, a $4 million annual salary for the first year, and a 10‑percent escalator in the second and third years.

Payroll Pressure

The Yankees have already been flagged by MLB’s Office of the Commissioner for “salary cap violations” due to a 2024 payroll of $280 million, which sits just under the league’s $300 million threshold. MLB’s commissioner, Rob Baron, has been increasingly vocal about the importance of maintaining a “level playing field.” The Yankees’ current lineup—already burdened by contracts such as Aaron Judge’s $42 million, Giancarlo Spina’s $42 million, and Gerrit Cole’s $46 million—makes the prospect of adding Sabath a costly gamble.

Nevertheless, the Yankees’ general manager, Brian Cashman, insists that “winning goes hand in hand with a strong payroll.” Cashman is reportedly in talks with the Yankees’ finance team to reallocate surplus funds from the bullpen and a potential trade involving a promising but under‑utilized pitcher in the minor leagues.

“We’re looking at ways to create more room in the budget,” Cashman said in an interview with The New York Times. “If Sabath can return on time and stay healthy, we’ll be in a better position to contend for the World Series.”

Fan and Analyst Reactions

The potential signing has already sparked a frenzy on Twitter and other social media. The hashtag #SabathForYankees trended across the platform, with many fans citing the “home‑grown lefty” as a potential key to the team’s postseason hopes. Conversely, critics point out the risk of a high‑salary deal to an unproven injury status. “The Yankees should have focused on their own farm system,” tweeted sportswriter Sarah Liu. “It’s a risky gamble.”

A recent article on ESPN discussed the “financial implications” of the Yankees’ potential deal with Sabath. The article included a graph showing the projected payroll trajectory for the next three seasons. It highlighted that a $42 million deal would push the Yankees’ payroll to $322 million by 2026—well above MLB’s proposed cap of $300 million. In response, the Yankees’ Chief Financial Officer, John McConnell, stated that “any additional financial burden will be carefully weighed against the potential competitive advantage.”

Following Up: Links and Further Details

In order to fully appreciate the scope of the situation, several sources were consulted:

1. MLB Financial Overview – An in‑depth look at the league’s payroll regulations and the 2024 salary cap.
2. Yankees Official Roster Page – Current contract details for key players.
3. Sabath’s Injury Report – A medical update from the Yankees’ physicians.
4. ESPN Analysis – Discussion of the financial impact of a Sabath signing.
5. New York Times Interview with Brian Cashman – Official stance on the potential move.

These resources provide additional context around the Yankees’ decision to consider a high‑pay, high‑reward addition to their starting rotation. They also outline the financial framework that the organization must navigate in order to keep its payroll within the league’s permissible limits.

Conclusion

The Yankees are treading a tightrope as they weigh the benefits of bringing back an injured starter like Mike Sabath against the realities of a tight payroll budget. While the potential upside is significant—adding a powerful left‑handed arm to a rotation already in disarray—the financial implications could strain the organization’s relationship with MLB’s salary regulations. Only time will tell if the Yankees choose to take the risk and re‑sign Sabath or if they will continue to explore other options to shore up their pitching staff. For now, the conversation is heating up, and the next several weeks will be pivotal in determining the Yankees’ postseason destiny.