Yankees GM Brian Cashman spent part of his Wednesday wooing another free agent that would be look great in his starting rotation.

Stephen Strasburg definitely is on the Yankees radar, too, although the 2019 World Series MVP probably for now is just a highly respected backup plan to No. 1 target Gerrit Cole, who had his meeting on Tuesday.

Strasburg has been and will remain a realistic option for the Yankees as long as the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers are pursuing Cole, who supposedly would love to pitch close to his Orange County, Calif., home despite his camp’s claims that the rumors are untrue.

If the Yankees are forced to turn to Strasburg, one of the big questions will be whether or not the laid-back San Diego native would be good fit playing for a New York team.

MLB Network insider John Hart addressed that issue Wednesday on MLB Now when he was asked if Strasburg is a fit in New York.

“You never know” answered Hart, a former GM for the Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers. “At first blush, no! He doesn’t look like he’s a fit in New York.

"But look, you see what this guy did in the postseason. I think he surprised a lot of people that said this guy doesn’t have the personality and all of a sudden you look up and he’s dancing. He’s dealing.”

Sounds like Hart changed his mind about Strasburg, who thrived in a postseason spotlight this year going 4-0 for the Washington Nationals during their championship team.

Like Cole, Strasburg is going to get a huge payday, but it’s too early to know what his price will become.

Early this year there was talk that second-rung free agent pitcher Zack Wheeler could get five years and $100 million, then two days later he scored a five-year, $138-million contract from the Phillies after reportedly turning down even more money from the Chicago White Sox.

The same types of bidding war could play out for Cole and Strasburg. Early speculation has Cole getting a six-year deal for about $240 million and Strasburg signing for about $175 million in a five-year pact.

Cole, who is 29 and two years younger than Strasburg, probably will have just three or four options: The Yankees, the LA teams and maybe the Nationals if they don’t get their way re-signing Strasburg.

The Angels, Dodgers and Yankees all have interest in Strasburg, too, but it’s believed he’s the first option only for the Nationals. The small-market San Diego Padres, Strasburg’s hometown team, could make a play, too, but they’re big underdogs after signing third baseman Manny Machado last February to a 10-year, $300-million contract.

Regardless of what shakes out, Hart now believes Strasburg can thrive pitching in New York.

“I’d go anywhere with Strasburg,” Hart said. “I love him.”

Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RandyJMiller. Find NJ.com on Facebook.