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Around the Empire: Yankees news - 10/26/20

Wondering if New York’s contention window is coming to an end; the Yankees could rely on young, cheap pitching in 2021; Britton is a near-lock to remain with the Bombers

American League Division Series Game 1: New York Yankees v. Tampa Bay Rays Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images

NJ Advance Media | Bob Klapisch: After looking loaded with young stars in the summer of 2017, the Yankees are still empty-handed three years later. Klapisch wonders if the Bombers’ competitive window may be closing, especially with so much uncertainty about the future (there could be a strike after the 2021 season) and with the Tampa Bay Rays peaking.

New York Post | Dan Martin: The Yankees may need another ace to pair with Gerrit Cole, especially for those postseason matchups in which star-caliber pitching makes the difference. However, Martin says that if the Bombers limit their payroll next season to stay under the luxury tax threshold of $210 million, they surely won’t pursue high-priced free agents and trade targets. The team may be planning to rely on several homegrown arms, such as Deivi García, Jordan Montgomery, Clarke Schmidt, Domingo Germán, Mike King, Miguel Yajure and others.

NJ Advance Media | Brendan Kuty: With a 1.89 ERA and lots of high-leverage innings in the postseason, Zack Britton was perhaps the Yankees’ most reliable reliever in 2020. He could enter the free agent market if the Bombers don’t ‘opt in’ the next two years of his deal, at a total of $27 million. However, Kuty believes that New York is a virtual lock to secure his services and won’t let him test the market.