Why Nick Lodolo should interest the Yankees -- and how a deal can get done

The Yankees need a starting pitcher this offseason. Despite the "Yankees Hot Stove" show trying to sell Yankee Fans that Ryan Yarbrough is a viable fifth starter, it's simply not true. When you look at how the Yankees rotation sets up for the first month or two of the season, six starts each of Will Warren and Yarbrough. This would not be a smart move for the Yankees.

About Lodolo

There was a name floating around social media this week, and it makes sense. When healthy over the past three seasons, left-hander Nick Lodolo has been one of the more consistent starters in the NL. Posing a career 4.06 ERA since 2022, Lodolo has been a very underrated pitcher. He is worth a look for the Yankees.

Lodolo provides about average strike out rates and does not walk many batters at all, something the Yankees struggled with in 2025 as a staff. According to Baseball Sevant, all of his underlying metrics look solid, and would provide the Yankees a piece that would not be in the top 2/3 of a rotation, but a consistent option the team can rely on when a solid start is needed.

Lodolo also pitches in one of if not the most pitcher-friendly ballparks in baseball, and his ERA reflects that. In 2025, his home ERA was 3.97 and his road ERA was 2.81. His WHIP also jumps to under one on the road, compared to 1.26 at home.

A Potential Package for Lodolo

The Reds could be looking for corner outfield help, and the Yankees have depth in that department. Spencer Jones is someone a deal could/should be centered around. While Jones has not played much corner outfield, he should fit well in that spot.

Jones would also succeed in Great American Ball Park with his power. Power always plays up in Cincinnati and Jones has some of the best raw power potential of prospects coming up. Jones also would provide Cincinnati with multiple years of control. Pair Jones with a young starter, like a Warren or a prospect like Ben Hess. That would be a good deal for both sides.

The one thing that could hold this up -- the Cody Bellingerrace. If the Bellinger race takes too long, Lodolo could be dealt elsewhere because the Yankees don't want to deal their depth until they know the outcome of Bellinger's sweepstakes.