Andy Martino, SNY.tv

The Yankees liked free agent Patrick Corbin, and he liked the Yankees. But in the end, the team wasn't willing to be as aggressive as the Nationals or Phillies in pursing the lefthander, and refused to budge from a five-year offer, according to major league sources.

Corbin received a six-year deal from Washington, as the Washington Post was first to report.

The Yanks felt that trading for Seattle ace James Paxton bought them some leeway to avoid going crazy in the Corbin bidding. They did not see him as a must-have, and watched as the Phillies and Nationals mounted more aggressive pursuits.

If Corbin had wanted to take a discount, the Yankees would have welcomed him. Otherwise, he was headed elsewhere.

The Yanks will continue to work to fill their rotation. They are still pursuing J.A. Happ, but are not sure they want to offer a three-year contract to a 36-year-old. Happ made a strong first impression last season, though, so the sides could continue to talk.

The Yankees could also pivot to trade discussions for Cleveland's starting pitchers Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco, or pursue Nathan Eovaldi and other free agent options.

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