German Marquez Anyone?

Let’s be real: the idea that the Yankees still need starting pitching almost feels like an April Fools’ joke that got out of hand. They’re in first place! They’re winning games! The offense is mashing, the defense is sparkling, and somehow, with duct tape and chewing gum holding the rotation together, they just keep rolling.

But here’s the twist—this isn’t sustainable. It never is. This is the part in the movie where the car is speeding toward the cliff and we’re all saying, “Wow, they’re handling those turns really well,” while completely ignoring the canyon ahead.

Yes, the Yankees are in first. Yes, Aaron Judge could hit a ball to Queens if you asked him nicely. Yes, Anthony Volpe is playing defense like he’s auditioning for a Gold Glove commercial. But if Brian Cashman doesn’t reinforce the rotation, we’re going to be watching Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman get wheeled out there every fifth day like overused lawnmowers.

And speaking of Stroman and Rodón—don’t act like you didn’t see this coming. I’d say I hate to say “I told you so,” but I actually love it. We knew Gerrit Cole’s injury spelled trouble. We knew Luis Gil being out would sting. And when Rodón starts giving up homers like it’s a Fourth of July fireworks show and Stroman disappears into the IL void, we’re supposed to just trust this plan?

Which brings us to the prophecy no one saw coming—Athlon Sports casually tossing out a name that actually makes sense: Germán Márquez. Not exactly the blockbuster Yankee fans dream of, but maybe—just maybe—the kind of move that wins October.

Here’s what they say: Márquez is a 6’1”, 230-pound righty with a 65-58 record and a 4.42 ERA across 180 games. He made the All-Star team in 2021 and racked up a respectable 2.4 bWAR that season. Sure, elbow problems have limited him the last two years, but he’s back this season with a 4.60 ERA and a 3.09 FIP for the Rockies, which is basically like pitching on the moon with a beach ball.

Now, is Márquez sexy? No. Is he Max Fried? Definitely not. But is he a potentially smart addition that won’t cost you Spencer Jones or half your farm system? Absolutely. He’s a low-risk, high-upside rental who has playoff experience and has been asked to pitch in the Colorado chaos his entire career. A little change of scenery—and maybe a new trainer—and who knows what you could get?

Yankee fans might roll their eyes at the idea of another injury-prone reclamation project, but let’s be honest: we can’t keep pretending that Carlos Carrasco is anything more than an innings-eater from 2017. And no, putting all your chips on Stroman’s groin staying healthy is not a strategy. It’s a prayer.

Come September, would you rather have Márquez starting a game that actually matters, or be relying on an opener cobbled together with guys named “who?” and “why?”

In short: Depth matters. Reinforcements matter. And while the Yankees have managed to make it this far on pure vibes, bats, and bullpen magic, the second half of the season is where things get real. If the front office is paying attention, a guy like Germán Márquez could be the kind of quietly smart addition that keeps the Yankees from burning out—and keeps fans from throwing their remote through the TV when the postseason starts.

So no, it’s not time to panic. But it is time to plan. Because this horror movie? We’ve seen it before. Let’s rewrite the ending this time.