Ex-Yankees Pitcher Gooden Expects Yankees to Have Big Offseason

Former Yankees pitcher Dwight Gooden isn't buying Brian Cashman's proposed offseason plan.

The 50-year-old three-time World Series champion, while signing autographs Friday in New Rochelle, instead said he expects the Yankees to make a "big splash" in the next couple of weeks. The Yankees have previously claimed that they have no intention to pursue this winter's top free agents, a group which includes proven arms like Max Scherzer, Jon Lester and James Shields. 

They've also limited how much they're willing to give to Chase Headley in recent days, but that doesn't seem to matter a lot to Gooden. 

“I think the Yankees have something up their sleeve,” he told NJ.com's Brendan Kuty, “whether it’s Max Scherzer or whoever it is. I definitely look forward to them doing something.”

Gooden played for the Yankees from 1996-1997 before rejoining them in 2000. However, he is probably best known for the accolades he collected as a Met from 1984-1994, when he made four All-Star teams, won a Cy Young Award and was named Rookie of the Year.

But he still knows plenty about New York's AL representative, having worked in its front office after retiring.

“They’re not going to sit back and wait,” Gooden said. “I had the privilege of working for the Yankees for six years after I retired under (late owner George Steinbrenner). So they’re not the club that’s going to sit back and let things happen. I don’t think they need to (acquire many new pieces). I just think they need to get healthy and get some of their guys back.”

Guys like CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and Martin Prado, each of whom ended 2014 on the disabled list. They've all been valuable contributors to the Yankees at different times over the last five years, so it certainly wouldn't hurt anything if they came back.

Nonetheless, it's a safe bet inking someone like Lester to a multi-year deal would help out the Yankees in the long run, as much their offense may struggle.