The New York Yankees have spent heavily to keep their rotation among the league’s best, but this winter might mark a shift in approach. After years of shelling out for star power, the front office could be leaning toward a more pragmatic — and cost-effective — plan to round out their pitching staff.

It’s not that the Yankees lack talent. In fact, their next wave of young arms is starting to rise, and that may be the very reason they can afford to slow down on big spending.

The rotation’s expensive core is already locked in

Gerrit Cole remains the undisputed ace despite coming off Tommy John surgery, commanding a $36 million payroll next season. Carlos Rodon follows with $27.8 million, and newly acquired Max Fried comes in at $14.5 million — a number that balloons to $31.5 million by 202

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