Yankees 'Checked In' With Padres Hurler On Pote...

By Shaun McAvoy

Contributing Sports Writer

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The New York Yankees need to make some moves this offseason.

After a disappointing postseason loss to the division rival Toronto Blue Jays, the Yankees have important personnel decisions to make this offseason. New York lost reliever Devin Williams to the New York Mets in free agency, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon, and will face stiff competition to retain All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger in free agency.

Though the Yankees will likely need to prioritize their bullpen in free agency, MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reported that the Yankees have already made early calls to some free agents, including San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King.

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"As the Yankees prepare for next week’s Winter Meetings in Florida, some shopping is already done, with more to come," Hoch wrote Monday. "Trent Grisham is back in pinstripes, having accepted the $22.025 million qualifying offer, while Tim Hill and Ryan Yarbrough have re-signed to round out the pitching staff.

"But there’s still much more to do. Though Cashman mentioned free-agent starter Michael King among the early calls he’s made, the primary focus appears to be in the bullpen."

A reunion with King would be great for the Yankees for next season. After being primarily utilized out of the bullpen in New York, King flourished into an elite starter in San Diego. The 30-year-old hurler has posted a 3.10 ERA with 277 strikeouts in 46 appearances with the Padres, despite missing significant time this season.

The Yankees will likely begin the season with star pitcher Gerrit Cole still recovering from Tommy John surgery and could use another quality starter in their rotation.

More MLB: Yankees Predicted To Lose 32-Year-Old Free Agent To Athletics

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