Getty

Yankees predicted to sign Brandon Woodruff.

The New York Yankees will look to bolster their rotation this offseason.

New York will begin the year with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon both injured, which only strengthens the need to add a pitcher. Although the Yankees can rely on Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, and Luis Gil, New York still could use a middle-of-the-rotation arm.

Ahead of free agency opening up on Thursday, MLB analyst Thaddeus Sawyer of DailyCampus predicts the Yankees will sign Brandon Woodruff to a two-year deal worth $34 million.

“While signing an ace in the top-heavy market is unlikely, there are still viable options towards the middle of the market,” Sawyer wrote. “One option is Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff, who just declined a $20 million player option for 2026. Woodruff started 12 games in 2025 while battling injuries but was a productive mid-rotation option when available.

“The two-time all-star pitched to a 3.20 ERA while limiting free passes. A two-year, $34 million contract would give the Yankees a second established option to begin the season and depth even after Cole, Rodon and Clarke Schmidt return.”

Woodruff would be a perfect No. 4 starter for the Yankees. And, he still would have a rotation spot once Cole and Rodon return.

The 6-foot-4 right-hander was an All-Star in 2019 and 2021 and has spent his entire career with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Woodruff went 7-2 with a 3.20 ERA in 12 starts last season. In his MLB playoff career, he’s 1-3 with a 3.18 ERA in 8 appearances, including 4 starts.

Woodruff Wasn’t Sure What The Future Holds

During the Brewers’ playoff run, Woodruff was asked about his future. He made it clear he didn’t know what would be next.

Woodruff missed the entire 2024 season due to an injury and returned mid-way through 2025 for the playoff push. The right-hander was glad to return to Milwaukee, but he knew this could be it for him with the Brewers.

“As far as the future, I don’t know what that will entail. But I’m glad I had the opportunity to come back here,” Woodruff said before the Brewers’ NLDS win over the Chicago Cubs. “My son was born here last year. I’ve got so many roots dug here in Milwaukee. And not just the people in the clubhouse but people outside of the baseball field I’ve gotten to know. It’s home for sure. It’s my second home. Yeah, so for sure, I needed to throw on this uniform again.”

Woodruff declined a $20 million mutual option for 2026 in favor of a $10 million buyout to become a free agent. He’s spent his entire career in Milwaukee after being selected in the 11th round by the Brewers in 2014.

Yankees Will Be Without Rodon to Begin 2026 Season

New York is already without Cole to begin the season and will now be without Rodon.

After the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs, Rodon underwent surgery to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur.

However, due to the surgeries, Rodon won’t be able to throw. That pushes everything back, meaning he won’t be ready to start the season.

“When you build in all the ramp-up and the throwing program and getting him ready to be a starting pitcher, that probably delays him potentially a couple of weeks to start the season,” Boone said.

Rodon went 18-9 with a 3.09 ERA this season with the Yankees.

Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL and MLB for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton

More Heavy on Yankees

Loading more stories