Yankees to sign CC Sabathia to one-year, $8 million deal

The Yankees wasted little time in their hunt for starting pitching. According to multiple reports, the Bombers have agreed to sign CC Sabathia to a one-year contract worth $8 million dollars. Joel Sherman first reported that the team was finalizing a deal.

Sabathia, 38, pitched well for the Yankees in 2018. He logged 153 innings, working to a 3.65 ERA with a 4.16 FIP. He also displayed a mastery of inducing soft contact. His 25.1% soft contact rate sits near the top of the league. He missed some time on the disabled list with his balky knee, but he was an effective pitcher overall.

Since arriving in New York ahead of the 2009 season, CC has posted a 3.74 ERA (3.82 FIP). He pitched at the game’s highest levels through 2012 season, before struggling for the better part of the next three years. The left-hander’s renaissance began in earnest in 2016, and since then he reestablished himself as a quality back-of-the-rotation arm. He is also clubhouse leader and a fan favorite.

The veteran left-hander made it clear that he wanted to stay in New York. He said so himself on the R2C2 podcast. He also indicated that this will be his final season as an active player. Sabathia wants to retire with the Yankees.

Brian Cashman repeatedly expressed that he wants to acquire multiple starting pitchers this offseason. Sabathia isn’t the only move up his sleeves. This is most likely a depth signing, and it’s hard to do better than CC for that role.

Pinstripe Alley will have more on the signing and what it means in the coming days. For now, though, how do you feel about the signing? Are you happy to see CC back? Let us know in the comment section below!