We recently went over which questions the Yankees need to answer this offseason. Once those are put on the white board by GM Brian Cashman and the rest of the front office, it comes down to which needs should be addressed first -- the priority list, if you will.

The Yankees are sure to be active in free agency, and don't overlook a blockbuster trade by Cashman, either. He knows that this team needs to get things done quickly after a short postseason.

So, with that in mind, let's rank the Yankees' needs this offseason:

1. Figure out who will manage in 2022 and beyond

Is it odd that Aaron Boone hasn't been given a new contract yet? Maybe a little bit. But an educated guess would be that the Yanks are at least still considering whether or not to move forward with him.

Boone took over in 2018 at the start of that championship window, and four seasons later, there's no 28th title in the Yankees' trophy case. That's a problem in the eyes of Cashman and owner Hal Steinbrenner.

The big question they're trying to answer in the immediate is whether or not that is Boone's fault. Or it could be possible that they want to change the coaching staff to switch things up, bring new vibes in the clubhouse, and hope that is the key to making it to the World Series.

Either way, this must be decided quickly before anything else can be done this offseason. Personally, I believe Boone returns but his coaching staff gets a shakeup, with hitting coach Marcus Thames a prime candidate to be relieved of his duties.

2. No. 2 starting pitcher

Fans who are still frustrated about what happened in the AL Wild Card Game, don't take it out on Gerrit Cole when he starts Opening Day in 2022. Yes, it was a bad game all around for the ace, but he still has that designation next year and for years to come.

What the Yanks need, then, is a consistent No. 2 behind him who can possibly be part of a 1-2 punch come postseason action.

In house, the Yanks do have Luis Severino and Jameson Taillon who could vie for that title. However, there's no telling what Severino will do once he's in a starter's role again and Taillon's first Yankee season was the definition of a roller coaster. New York can't bank on that after taking a risk with Taillon and Corey Kluber this year.

With Kluber likely walking into free agency himself, the Yankees need to lock someone down who can give a huge boost to the rotation. Is Carlos Rodon, Robbie Ray, or Kevin Gausman the guy? Could Justin Verlander prove he's ready for another championship run after having Tommy John surgery? And what about Marcus Stroman?

Loads of options and tremendous talent to choose from, but this has to be at the top of the priority list for Cashman once his manager is in place.

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