Yankees Better Have Strong Backup Plan After Cheaping Out on Dallas Keuchel

It's no secret that the Yankees could use some rotation help. The current starters have performed well, as New York has the fourth-lowest rotation ERA in the AL, but there is certainly reason to improve the staff.

Domingo German has begun to come down to earth after his ludicrous start to the year, and will eventually need to be moved to the bullpen due to an innings restriction. CC Sabathia has been battling injuries and health issues for a few years now, and Luis Severino won't be toeing major league rubber until after the All-Star break.

All of these reasons were sufficient inclination for the Yankees to sign former Astros ace Dallas Keuchel, for whom the Bombers were considered favorites following the MLB Draft. The Yankees were ultimately outbid by the Atlanta Braves for Keuchel's services, though reportedly it wasn't by much.

One would have to assume that the Yankees have a contingency plan after missing out on Keuchel. The issue however may be the strength of that plan, the other starting pitching options on the trade market don't offer the same upside that the former Cy Young winner boasts.

For a team that has World Series aspirations, signing an arm like Keuchel, who has a championship pedigree, could have been the difference-maker in a playoff series. But the team's refusal to out on signing a starter like that is a tough look for Brian Cashman, but Yankees fans are going to have to trust that he has a strong backup plan.

Could the answer be a trade for Madison Bumgarner? The Giants' renowned starter could certainly fill a void for the Yankees, though there may be less expensive options on the market as well. Players like Jays' Marcus Stroman or Detroit's Matt Boyd, who is having a sensational breakout campaign, could be in the cards for a trade to New York.

We will simply have to wait and see what Cashman has up his sleeve, but Yankees fans should be hopeful that a major move is coming before July's deadline.