Breaking news: The Yankees withdrew from signing star pitcher following criminal scandal.

The finest offers don’t always materialize, but occasionally they get very close. With Patrick Corbin, the New York Yankees ended up there.

Once thought to be washed after five terrible seasons in Washington, the 35-year-old lefty has subtly reversed the course of events in Texas.

He is providing the Rangers with steadiness, which is precisely what they need, even though he isn’t setting radar guns or recording strikeouts.

It was nearly in pinstripes, too.

The comeback that nobody anticipated
Corbin, who appeared to be little more than a depth flier, inked a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Texas Rangers this winter.

Instead, he has demonstrated that the game hasn’t abandoned him yet by putting together 42.2 strong innings with a 3.59 ERA.

His 84.7% left-on-base and 37% ground ball rates keep hitters honest, but his 6.75 strikeouts per nine don’t exactly shout domination.

Corbin has transformed from a warning story to a useful rotation piece, and such a change always attracts notice.

The Yankees noticed something early.
The Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees allegedly had interest in Corbin before he signed with Texas.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Corbin was certain of one thing: he wanted to get started.

They already had responsibilities set aside for their bullpen, and they weren’t prepared to guarantee starts to a pitcher who hadn’t had an ERA below 4.50 since 2018.

Now, though? He’s giving the impression that his choice was a little rash.

The reasoning for New York’s reluctance
Controllable, upside arms with long-term value potential were what the Yankees were looking for. That blueprint did not apply to Corbin.

Carlos Rodón was at last on the rise, and they had already signed Max Fried to a huge deal.

Since there was no clear rotation place, Corbin was probably viewed by New York’s front staff as a reclamation project that was best suited for middle relief.

Given that this pitcher led the National League in losses for two consecutive years and had a 5.20 ERA in 2023, it’s difficult to argue with that reasoning.

However, Texas gave Corbin the opportunity because he was banking on himself.

A hypothetical situation that nonetheless makes sense
If injuries had occurred sooner or more deeply, might Corbin have been of assistance to New York? Yes.

However, if the fit wasn’t right, the Yankees don’t regret passing. Their bullpen duties have been steady, and their depth has held up well.
Nevertheless, it seems like one of those old-fashioned tales of a “Yankees pitcher revival” that simply took place in the wrong uniform.

Corbin’s comeback demonstrates that a pitcher with experience, acumen, and something to prove—even if it’s not in the Bronx—is always valuable.