Brian Cashman

Yankees Rumors: Agents believes Yankees will come out swinging after lockout, starting pitcher to target

December 19, 2021 by Alexander Wilson

There is a reason to believe the New York Yankees will be big players once the lockout ends between the owners and Players Union. After remaining quiet in the early stages of free agency, allowing teams like the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers to scoop up the majority of quality shortstops, the Yankees do have a few options left at their disposal.

The obvious names revolve around Carlos Correa and Corey Seager, who represent either a long-term solution or short-term stopgap depending on the strategy general manager Brian Cashman institutes.

However, for those worried the Yankees won’t be active when things return to normal, several player agents believe they are gearing up for an exciting second half of free agency.

“There are player agents who continue to believe that once baseball business is reopened, Hal Steinbrenner’s team will be among the more aggressive teams—and in particular, might revisit conversations with the representatives of [Carlos] Correa and [Trevor] Story,” ESPN’s Buster Olney reported.

It seems that Steinbrenner wanted to see how the luxury tax threshold was affected by union negotiations, and if things change, it could benefit the Yankees in a long-term way.

Clearly, he had a financial motive for Cashman sitting still while talented players were plucked off the market without much resistance. The Yankees’ GM did convince Steinbrenner to make an offer of $25 million over one season for Justin Verlander, but that was about as aggressive as they got.

At this point in time, the Yankees have several weaknesses on the roster, and starting pitching remains one of them.

After the majority of talented starters were scooped up off the market, one option they could consider is Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw.

It is entirely possible that Kershaw sticks with LA next season, but if he considers an alternative club, the Bombers could make sense on a short-term contract worth big money year-over-year.

Kershaw is coming off a 3.55 ERA season over 121.2 innings, including a 10.65 strikeout per nine rate and 48.5% ground ball rate. Kershaw has pitched over 100 innings every season in his career, aside from the Covid abbreviated campaign. He has dealt with injury in the past, but he can serve as a reliable second option behind Gerrit Cole.

The veteran pitcher has seen a decrease in velocity with his fastball over the last three years or so, settling in at 90.7 mph during the 2021 season. His fastball usage has decreased exponentially to 36.8% but has seen an increase in the usage of his slider at 47.5%, maintaining solid velocity.

If the Yankees are willing to spend, Kershaw should be a target at the very least, but I wouldn’t rule out Carlos Rodon as a potential fit as well.

How do the Yankees save a dead off-season as lockout pushes on?

December 10, 2021 by William Parlee

For fans of the New York Yankees and the other 29 MLB teams, it was an exciting few weeks after the World Series was won by the Atlanta Braves, as teams prepared for the 2022 season. Most teams did everything they could to bolster their chances to make the postseason by adding key pieces to their teams. Then came the big funk; the owners and players couldn’t agree on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The result was Commissioner Rob Manfred locking out the players.

The old CBA expired on December 1, and the hot stove frenzy came to an immediate halt. Before the expiration, 25 of the top 50 free agents went to new teams, but now with the lockout, all of that has come to a halt. Owners and players can’t even talk to each other. No new contracts, no trades, no nothing until a new agreement can be reached. With the sides still far apart and not negotiation in good faith, it could spell for a long lockout and even a delay in spring training.

Much to the chagrin of Yankee fans, their team didn’t really take part in all the fun. Yankee GM Brian Cashman remained mostly inactive as other teams, some making major moves to improve their teams. The Yankees hired a few coaches and picked up a couple of pitchers in the Rule 5 draft, but that was just about it. Now the Yankees have to wait until there is a new CBA. Although many of the best free agents have already been signed, there still are options for the Yankees, but they will have to act quickly.

“As a team and as an organization, we must grow, evolve and improve. We need to get better. Period,” chairman Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement after the Yankees re-signed manager Aaron Boone to a new three-year contract. But that has not happened; it’s just been talk and not much of it. Instead, the Yankees have taken a wait-and-see attitude, and some insanely huge contracts have been signed by some of the best free agents available.

The Yankees could still salvage the offseason if they are smart and act quickly. Even though they have not supplemented their need for a shortstop, number two starting pitcher, help at first base, and an upgrade in center field, there is still time to make those needs a reality.

Looking at the shortstop situation, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Javier Baez, three of the best shortstops in free agency, are already gone to new teams, some for some incredibly big contracts. That leaves Trevor Story and Carlos Correa, who likely will not go to the Yankees. The Yankees seem to be centered on Andrelton Simmons, who is pretty washed up, and the better choice of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who would be a definite upgrade to Gleyber Torres. The Yankee might be able to get him on a short contract while they await the development of Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza.
However, the Yankees could still surprise with a mega-contract for the services of Carlos Correa, much like they did with Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole.

One thing we have learned is never to try to outguess Brian Cashman. To make that happen, owner Hal Steinbrenner will have to open the purse, knowing that a hefty contract extension will soon have to be offered to superstar Aaron Judge.
On the pitching front, the Yankees let two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber go to the Tampa Bay Rays, leaving them without a one-two punch that will be needed going into the postseason. However, the Yankees did make a play for the Astros Justin Verlander, who was coming off Tommy John surgery. The Yankees offered a one-year deal, but he apparently has accepted an offer for the same money ($25 million) from the Astros for two years and a third-year option.

Just like shortstop, some of the best starting pitchers are already gone. Noah Syndergaard has gone to the Angels, Robbie Ray has gone to the Mariners, and Kevin Gausman has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. Max Scherzer went to the cross-town Mets. Eduardo Rodriguez went to the Tigers. Cashman will have to work his magic with those big names off the market.

As far as center field is concerned, they already have an everyday center fielder in Aaron Hicks; the problem with Hicks is his injury history and ability to stay on the field. The Yankee front office has more than mentioned a backup if he can’t remain healthy. There are still several center fielders available that the Yankees should consider. Kevin Pillar, Brett Gardner, and Odubel Herrera are all available. The smart move would be to trade for Bryan Reynolds or Cedric Mullins; both would cost plenty. One free-agent target, the Yankees, were actively pursuing is Japanese star outfielder Seiyu Suzuki. However, he isn’t the perfect fit.

Likewise, at first base, the Yankees have holdover Luke Voit who is at best adequate, but he too has health problems. So the Yankee should upgrade that position by re-signing Anthony Rizzo. If they want to go big, Freddie Freeman is the best first baseman out there, but it will cost big bucks.

The big question for the Yankees and its fans, is once a new CBA is agreed upon, will owner Hal Steinbrenner open the purse to allow the rebuilding of a championship team? They have the money if they want to spend it. The other is, will Brian Cashman pounce early enough before his options are gone?

Yankees Analysis: Revenues rise, spending drops, the Yankees need to spend more

December 9, 2021 by William Parlee

The New York Yankees have gone without a World Series Championship since 2009. But at the same time, they have come oh so close. The Yankees have gone 419-289 in the “Baby Bomber Era” (last five years), reaching the Wild Card three times while losing once. They have reached the ALDS four times and reached the ALCS twice, losing both times. Yankee fans are among the most demanding baseball fans in the game, and they are tired of not winning while the team makes more and more money.

The message to owner Hal Steinbrenner is that he must reinvest more into the team to get them over the hump; they have done it before. In the past twenty years, they have reinvested as much as 75% of revenue back into the team, but that figure in 2021 dropped to just 33%, 2020 was even worse at 29.5%. What infuriates Yankee fans is that during the period, the Yankee revenues have risen from $215 million to $689 million in 2019.

There is always the argument that you don’t have to spend the most to win, as evidenced by the Tampa Bay Rays and this year’s World Series-winning Atlanta Braves, but that is a subject for another article. This article is focused on the revenue to payroll issue. The Yankees have the money but fail to use it to gain that 28th World Championship. The common complaint is that if deceased owner George M. Steinbrenner was still running the team, they would be spending with all the money available and winning more Championships.

Throughout the last two decades, the decision-makers for the Yankees have made a conscious effort to keep payroll relatively constant even as they have tripled their revenue from 2001 to 2019. If you fast forward to 2019, when the Yankees won 103 games, they slashed their reinvestment to just 33%. One must understand that revenue is not profit, but there indeed is plenty of money to improve the team. At this point, the fans are saying the hell with the luxury tax, give GM Brian Cashman the money to build a team that can win.

Looking at the same numbers for baseball as a whole, the Yankees are reinvesting less back into the team than all of its rivals. Those self-imposed limitations have made them miss out big time in the postseason. When the Yankees last won the World Series in 2009 they reinvested 50% of revenues back into the team.

Going into the 2022 season, the New York Yankees have glaring needs. They desperately need a shortstop; they also need a valid number two starting pitcher, help at first base, and center field. With what you have read here, all facts, it is hard to imagine why the Yankees don’t spend big to solve these needs, while they still have a fan base to continue to raise those revenues and win Championships.

Yankees receive awful off-season grade from CBS, so far

December 7, 2021 by William Parlee

New York Yankees, Yankees, Brian Cashman

The New York Yankees are not on the list of CBS Sports teams that have made moves to improve their teams this offseason. R. J. Anderson of CBS Sports graded the Yankees “F” in their review of the moves made by all MLB teams so far this offseason. However, what should be most disturbing for Yankee fans is that every other team in the AL East rated better, with both the Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays scoring an A. Even the lowly Orioles scored better than the Yankees.

After a disappointing season and an even more disappointing loss in the Wild Card game against the Red Sox, the Yankee front office was talking big. They suggested that the checkbook was open, and the Yankees would be making big moves to improve the team for the 2022 season. General Brian Cashman made it known in no uncertain terms that the Yankees would be going after a big-name shortstop, a number two starter, and help in center field. Instead, what we got was nothing. The only news was that the Yankees might shun a top shortstop while waiting for prospects to develop.

Last week, much to fans’ disappointment, the owners and players couldn’t come to an agreement before the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) expired. A work stoppage was put in place even before Commissioner Rob Manfred had time to exhale. He locked out the players. All 30 team owners unanimously voted to put the lockout in place. That lockout means the hot stove is dead because owners and players, coaches, agents can’t even talk to each other until a new agreement is signed. No trades, no acquisitions, nothing!

It might be an exaggeration, but as of the lockout, most of the best players were already offered contracts leaving the Yankees with crumbs once the lockout is over. Apparently, CBS Sports graded the Yankees with a big fat “F” for their progress in repairing the team for the 2022 season. Here is a look at what other AL East rivals have done so far.

The Tampa Bay Rays rated A:

The Tampa Bay Rays have acted like the Yankees of old. First, the Rays GM Erik Neander scooped up starting pitcher Corey Kluber from the Yankees. The Rays that seem to make the right decisions at the right time saw something in Kluber that the Yankees didn’t as they failed to offer him a contract. The Rays also picked up Brooks Raley, giving Tampa Bay a much stronger bullpen and adding a tremendous left-hander who will be high on their list of relievers.

The Rays also reached an agreement with the young star Wander Franco, giving him a long-term extension. If the club exercises its club option for 2033 and incentives are reached, the 11-year deal could be worth $223 million for Franco. Once the lockout is over, look for the Rays to trade off Tyler Glasnow, who they did quite well without in 2021, and Kevin Kiermaier. If the Yankees get off their hands, they may look at that one once the lockout is lifted.

The Toronto Blue Jays rated A:

Although less active than the Rays, the Toronto Blue Jays have made some nice moves this postseason so far. This postseason they have successfully extended the contract of pitcher Jose Berrios. Last season, he was 12-9 in 32 starts for a 3.52 ERA. The Yankees faced Berrios twice last season, with him winning both games. In another big move, the Jays signed one of the Yankee pitching targets, Kevin Gausman, who will solidify the Jays’ rotation for several years to come. The Jays are also expecting Yimi Garcia to shine in the bullpen.

The Boston Red Sox rated C:

The Red Sox, like the Yankees, lost a key pitcher in Eduardo Rodriguez that the Detroit Tigers signed. However, with the Rays, Chaim Bloom has already signed two former Rays pitchers. He also signed the Mariners pitcher, former Yankee James Paxton. All three of the acquired pitchers have issues. Signing Jackie Bradley after his career-worst season is indeed questionable. It doesn’t seem the Red Sox are behaving as a team that almost reached the World Series.

The Baltimore Orioles D:

Talking about the Baltimore Orioles is almost a joke after losing 66% of their games in the last three seasons. So far in the offseason, the O’s have picked up Rougned Odor that the Yankees felt didn’t deserve to stay with the team, and pitcher Jordan Lyles and his 5.12 ERA. Lyles will be the most expensive player on the O’s at $6 million. Their projected opening day payroll is about $40 million. Expect more of the same from the Orioles.

Yankees News 12/7: Everything you need to know today

December 7, 2021December 7, 2021 by William Parlee

Cashman’s delays may pay off

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman may have been procrastinating all along as part of the plan, and it just might pay off. Cashman completely sat out the first round of free agency, shunning Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and even Javier Baez, all signed mega contracts over $140 million. Seager got the prized ten-year $325 million mega-deal. But then came the lockout, leaving Cashman empty-handed.

Now with the lockout in place, Cashman has only a couple of options. He can go after the Houston Astros’ Carlos Correa, who will demand a mega-contract of his own, which is not likely, as the Yankees have other fish to fry. They also could go after the more likely Trevor Story of the Colorado team. The other option remaining for the Yankee is to go the stop-gap avenue and sign Andrelton Simmons or Rangers’ Isiah Kiner-Falefa. At the same time, the team waits for developing prospects, Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza. One thing is for sure, Cashman will have to act quickly once the lockout is over.

Seiya Suzuki may be in the Yankees headlights

In the last week or so, the rumor has been heating up that the Yankees may make a move and go after Japanese star Seiya Suzuki. The Yankees already have the apparently healthy Aaron Hicks to man center field. Still, with his questionable health history, he may be too risky to assume he will play the season for the Yankees. Going after Suzuki is also doubtful as he is not a natural center fielder.

Nevertheless, the Yankees appear to be one of the main competitors for his services. But in that quest, the Yankees are not alone. The rival Boston Red Sox and the up-and-coming Toronto Blue Jays are also in the mix for acquiring him. But with the lockout in place, Cashman won’t have much time to move on Suzuki if he chooses to. Suzuki, in 9 seasons in Japan, has played in nearly 1,100 games with a .309 batting average and 189 home runs. The 27-year-old is a natural right fielder, 3rd baseman, and shortstop has proven his versatility; the Yankees believe he could adequately transition to center field.

Lucas Luetge finally makes it

The Yankee reliever Lucas Luetage has an interesting story on his way to being manager Aaron Boone’s go-to man in the bullpen. It was July 9th, and Lucas Luetge got the win in a shut-out win over the Houston Astros. This was the type of pitcher Luetge was for the Yankees in 2021, but how he got there was unique.

Luetge was selected 21st in the 2008 draft by Milwaukee Brewers, where he played in the minors for almost four years. He split that third season with the Mariners when he was scooped up in the Rule 5 draft. In 2012 he made his major league debut being one of six pitchers to take part in a no-hitter against the Dodgers, but soon afterward, he would find himself back in the minors.

In the minors, he pitched for the Reds, Orioles, Diamondbacks, and Athletics. After almost nine years in the minors, the then 33-year-old was signed to a minor league contract with the Yankees. He got a non-roster invitation to spring training, and the rest is history as he made the opening day roster. He pitched in a career-high 57 games with a 4-2 record and an ERA of 2.74. After an arduous 14 years, Luetge finally reached arbitration and signed a one-year $905k contract with the Yankees for the 2022 season. He couldn’t be more happy and grateful.

The Yankee first base predicament

The is no question that the Yankees have several problems to solve before the start of the 2022 season, as general manager Cashman had done little before the lockout was instituted. His priority is getting a shortstop and a number two type pitcher for the starting rotation. But other problems loom, help in center field and what to do to get production out of first base. Last season they brought in Anthony Rizzo from the Rangers to play down the stretch, but now he is a free agent.

Before the lockout, the Yankees tendered first baseman Luke Voit, but Voit has had mega-trouble staying healthy. This past season he played on only 68 games with a .239 average and 11 home runs—That’s half as many long balls as in the 60-game 2020 season. Voit’s problem is his lower extremities, his feet, and knees that have had recurring problems. Few believe that even though tendered, Voit will not be the 2022 first baseman. The Yankees could re-sign Rizzo or go after the big boy, Freddie Freeman of the World Series-winning Atlanta Braves. As of today, there is no indication of which way the Yankees will go.

The Yankees have 2 lowkey stud prospects climbing the ranks, Cashman gushes

December 6, 2021 by Alexander Wilson

The New York Yankees have had trouble developing young players the last few years, seeing Gary Sanchez and Gleyber Torres plateau with their growth. Sanchez is on the cusp of being released after the 2022 season, signing an $8 million tender which gives him a significant pay increase despite his deficiencies.

General manager Brian Cashman waited as long as possible to make Sanchez the long-term solution at catcher, but his awful strikeout rate and inconsistent defending have made him a liability at times. Luckily, the Yankees have a stud prospect climbing the ranks, but at just 21-years-old, he’s at least two years away from reaching the majors.

Former 2018 MLB June Amateur draft pick Austin Wells spent time with Hudson Valley and Tampa this past season, hitting a combine .264 with 16 homers and 76 RBIs over 382 at-bats. He also recorded 16 stolen bases, showcasing speed and athleticism. He’s a bit different than Sanchez, who is a heavier player that lacks mobility.

Wells isn’t the only prospect impressing the Yankees front office, as Elijah Dunham, a 23-year-old outfielder, has also sparked the interest of Cashman.

“Those two guys continue to reinforce — one, as expected (Wells), and the other, that he’s the real deal (Dunham),” general manager Brian Cashman said on Sunday, via NJ.com:

Dunham enjoyed 339 at-bats this past season, hitting .263 with 13 homers, 57 RBIs, and a crazy 28 stolen bases. His stats are eerily similar to Wells, but given he’s an outfielder and even faster, the Yankees could look to him as a potential supplement for Clint Frazier down the road.

“Austin Wells and Elijah Dunham crushed it,” Cashman said. “They did a great job. Austin Wells being a No. 1 pick, not surprising. But I think we’re really proud of also what Elijah’s done because he doesn’t come with that blue chip pedigree. But ever since he’s signed into pro ball he’s been a pro’s pro. He’s excelled at every level and he continues to make a name for himself as he did in the Arizona Fall League.”

Dunham also spend time in Hudson Valley and Tampa this past season. Along with Wells, they both dominated in the Arizona Fall League. Dunham finished with a .357 average, including two homers and 14 RBIs over 84 at-bats. Wells hit .344 with two homers and 18 RBIs.

Both prospects still have a while to go until they’re considered major league talent, but they are on the right path given their dominance of Low-A ball in 2021.

Yankees News: 4 spots Cashman desperately needs to improve, Matt Olson trade in jeopardy

December 3, 2021 by Alexander Wilson

Yankees Analysis: GM Brian Cashman mystifies, but this isn’t the first time

December 2, 2021 by William Parlee

New York Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman is one of the best in MLB but doesn’t always work in ways that Yankee fans want or appreciate. So far, this offseason, we have seen some of the biggest names on the free-agent market being scooped up by teams paying insane contracts that the Yankees want no part of. That is understandable, with two monster contracts on the books already, and one that will come close to those when they extend superstar Aaron Judge. 11 of the 15 top names in baseball have gone to other teams this off-season.

For any Yankee fan that thinks that Brian Cashman doesn’t know what he is doing, as he seeming is sitting on his hands, make no mistake about it, Cashman has a plan, but you won’t be aware of it until after the lockout, imposed last night, is over. That’s when he will attempt to repeat his magic, as he did with DJ LeMahieu when fans were hoping for Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. This is not the first time that Cashman has waited for the last moment.

For those that remember the 2013 season, Cashman appeared to do nothing, even saying he wouldn’t sign Mark Teixeira, but then at the last moment, he did. At the end of that season, he let Robinson Cano go. In 2014 they would stay under the 2014 luxury tax threshold and then went on to spend $458 million on Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann, and Masahiro Tanaka. I have learned over the years that you should never anticipate Brian Cashman, he works undercover with fans, never fully understanding how he works.

The Tampa Bay Rays have proven that you don’t have to spend the most to put a championship team on the field. The Atlanta Braves, who just won the World Series, had a payroll half of what the Yankees had.

Owner Hal Steinbrenner is not his father, a free spender that didn’t always spend wisely, nor is he Steve Cohen of the Mets, who seems to have a bottomless pit of money and believes the more he spends, the more his team will win. Spending $43 million for a pitcher who couldn’t pitch down the stretch because of a dead arm may turn out to be one of the worst deals in baseball history. It is already the biggest contract annually to be awarded to any player in baseball history.

As it stands right, now that the lockout has been imposed, the Yankees are expected to spend about $220 million but still don’t have a shortstop, number two starter, a first baseman, and center field back up. When the lockout is over, Carlos Correa, Freddie Freeman, and Trevor Story will still be on the board, along with pitching and center field help. With the lockout expected to last quite a while, Cashman will put his plan in action and quickly.

Much to the chagrin of Yankee fans, news over the holidays will not include much information as to what the team will look like in 2022, rather it will be filled with the less interesting CBA progress and when the 2022 season might start. Stay tuned.

New York Yankees: Before the CBA Yankee options are quickly disappearing

November 29, 2021 by William Parlee

Could the New York Yankees pursue Max Scherzer in a trade?

So far this postseason, the New York Yankees have been surprisingly quiet, as other teams are scooping up free-agent options with amazing speed, ahead of the Collective Bargaining Agreement deadline (CBA) on December 1.

Even before the end of the World Series, in which the Atlanta Braves won over the Houston Astros, the Yankees’ front office made it clear that they would be spending money to better the team for the 2022 season. General Manager Brian Cashman stated his priorities, with obtaining a star shortstop at the top of the list.

The Yankees needed to replace Gleyber Torres, who they permanently moved to second base. Getting a number two starting pitcher was also high on the list, that included help in centerfield and a decision to be made for a first baseman.

To date, the Yankees have basically done nothing. On social media Yankees fans are becoming frustrated, even enraged as it seems the Yankees have become watchers rather than actively participating in the postseason blitz to acquire team enhancing pieces to fill their needs.

The Yankees did replace third base coach Phil Nevin with ex-Mets manager Luis Rojas. The also made a play for starting pitcher Justin Verlander, who ended up signing with the Houston Astros, the team that turned his career around. The Yankees offered the same $25 million on a one-year contract; the Astros bested that with the same amount for two years.

Let’s take a look at some of the players that the Yankees have targeted or at least shown interest in, that are already gone to other teams. It seems the crosstown Mets, new owner Steve Cohen, and new general manager Billy Eppler are making every effort to make their team the one to watch in New York City, pushing the New York Yankees to the back burner.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi and SNY’s Andy Martino have reported that Eppler is close to closing a deal for the big pitching prize out there, Max Scherzer. Reports are that they will spend as much as $42 million a year to have Scherzer pitch on the mound at Citi Field for next three or four years. Due to the cost the Yankees were never really in on Scherzer, much to the dismay of Yankee fans.

At this point there is no question that the Mets are making moves to bring them to at least a NL East division win, and maybe going to the their first World Series since 2015, in which they lost to the Kansas City Royals one game to four. The New York Yankees have not appeared in a World Series game since they won in 2009.

The Yankees were seriously looking at Starling Marte to bolster their center field presence, but that fell through, when the Mets scooped him up last week with a four year contract for a reported $78 million. If the Mets sign Scherzer, they will have already spent double the money the Yankees might consider spending. If that isn’t a statement, I don’t know what is.

Another possible starting pitching target, Kevin Gausman, and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a five-year, $110 million contract, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Red Sox moves:

The Red Sox lost their co-ace in Eduardo Rodriguez who signed with the Detroit Tigers, before the Yankees could even bid on him. Back on the fifth of November the Sox scooped up Tim Locastro off waivers from the Yankees. Kyle Schwarber elected for free agency and the Sox as of now have not resigned him. He was big for the Sox going down the stretch with his 31 home runs on the season. The Yankees don’t seem to be interested in the center fielder.

Tampa Bay Rays changes:

From a Yankee perspective it was not good news when the Rays inked an 11-year contract with their star infielder Wander Franco. The Rays will now have there cornerstone for the rest of the decade. Earlier in the month the Rays exercised Mike Zunino’s contract option, keeping him as their primary catcher. In the most recent move, although the Yankees didn’t seem interested in keeping two time Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber in pinstripes, the Rays, who always seem to make the right moves at the right time, signing Kluber to a one-year deal gauranting him at least $8M, with the possibility of making up to $13M based on incentives.

Toronto Blue Jay changes:

The Blue Jays’ only big splash is that they signed starting pitcher Jose Berrios to a seven year contract extension, keeping him with the Blue Jays through the 2028 season. They also acquired Off Waivers From San Diego right hand pitcher Shawn Anderson. The big prize from the Jays would be pitcher Robbie Ray who had a career season, winning the Cy Young award. The Yankees have shown interest and would like to secure him in the $12 million range, but most industry analysts say he will want closer to $100 million over three of four years. At age 30 this may be his last time to get big money.

New Yankee shortstop:

Right now Yankees fans are confused by the lack of movement in acquiring a shortstop after the statement that it would be their number on priority. The situation is very cloudy, as the front office seems more concerned with short stop prospects in the farm system, then getting what they need right now. Carlos Correa is probably out of the picture due to his Astros baggage and the cost of a contract he will ask for. Another Yankee target Corey Seager is said to be asking for as much as $300 million over the next ten years, likely putting him out of the reach of the Yankees. Lately it seemed that Cashman could be going with the less expensive of the top three, in Marcus Semien, but he has just signed a seven year $175 million deal with the Texas Rangers.

With Yankee options disappearing, it leaves one wondering when and if the Yankees will act at all. With the top names tumbling off the market, it looks likes Cashman, with money to spend, will be again looking for those off the radar gems, and not any of the big names Yankee fans are hoping for.

One thing is for sure, many fans are calling for Cashman who appears to be sitting on his hands, to be fired, and for owner Hal Steinbrenner to sell the team to someone who is interested in winning rather than watching every penny.

New York Yankees news all in one place, what you need to know

November 28, 2021November 28, 2021 by William Parlee

Yankees could lose key prospect:

The New York Yankees made several moves to protect key prospects from the Rule 5 draft, but the bottom line is that they couldn’t protect all the players they might have wanted to, one of them is up and coming catcher Josh Breaux.

Losing a pivotal prospect to the Rule 5 draft can be serious, even devastating when they lose one to a division rival. Last season in the draft, they lost Garrett Whitlock, and that came back to haunt them in the season and Wild Card, that the Yankees lost to the Boston Red Sox. He became Boston’s best bullpen piece in 2021, posting a stellar 1.96 ERA in 46 regular-season appearances. Whitlock’s dominance continued in the playoffs, with a 2.16 ERA in five appearances.

The 24-year-old Breaux was a second-round pick of the Yankees in the 2018 draft by the Yankees. Since then, he has been making a name for himself. Here is MLB Pipeline’s scouting report:

Breaux has a lofty ceiling but is a long ways from reaching it. His well-above-average bat speed and strength coupled with an extremely aggressive approach give him the raw pop to deliver 35 or more homers per season.

Breaux is enticing because he has well above-average raw power and an arm that was once clocked up to 100 mph when he took the mound. Other than that, he is very similar to catcher Gary Sanchez, both in build as well defensive and hitting skills. Due to his progression through the minors, the Yankees won’t want to lose Breaux.

Who will be non-tendered?

The Yankees have three players that may be considered to be non-tendered. Miguel Andujar, Luke Voit, and Gary Sanchez. The Yankees already have rid themselves of three other players that they believe have little returning value going forward. Clint Frazier, Tyler Wade, and Rougned Odor have already been shown the door through assignment.

Of the three, Miguel Andujar is the most likely to be non-tendered, as the Yankees really don’t have a place for him to play. After losing his job at third to Gio Urshela, the Yankees have tried him in the outfield and even at first base. Unfortunately for Andujar, he underperformed.

CBA draws closer, an actual agreement doesn’t

The Baseball Collective Bargaining Agreement deadline is this coming Wednesday, and the sides are still far apart. Commissioner Rob Manfred stated last week that a lockout is not out of the picture. It’s all about the money, how much the players get and how much the owners get to keep.

One of the most significant sticking points seems to revolve around young players being paid more and earlier than the previous agreement allowed. The owners have pretty much had their own way with the players in the last several agreements, and the players are determined to get the upper hand this time.

Yankees just watching, Mets taking action

If you browse social media, Yankee fans are getting very frustrated with Brian Cashman seemingly sitting on his hands as other clubs are making moves to improve their teams, some of them big splashes.

What is most concerning to fans is that the cross-town New York Mets went on a Black Friday spending spree. The Mets’ new GM, Billy Eppler, picked up infielder and switch hitter Eduardo Escobar to a two-year deal reportedly worth $20 million, according to MLB Network. They signed first baseman and outfielder Mark Canha to a two-year deal worth $26.5 million, according to the New York Post. And late Friday night, they agreed to a four-year deal with outfielder Starling Marte knocking him out as a Yankee target at center.

Centerfield is still a question, Taylor or Buxton?

With Brett Gardner gone, at least for the moment, and the question looming, can Aaron Hicks remain healthy? Centerfield remains an area to be addressed.

Hicks, with the Yankees for six years, has only played in 100 or more games in two of those years. Last season was dreadful, with him only playing a few months due to a wrist injury and surgery, demonstrating the need for some solid backup in center.

The Yankees have reserves, but with the loss of Gardner, Greg Allen, and Tim Locastro, it only leaves Joey Gallo and Aaron Judge to back up Hicks. Both of them are much better performers at the corners. Chris Taylor has often been mentioned, but in the trade market, the Yankees could go after Byron Buxton of the Twins. Possibly not a priority, but the Yankees clearly need help.

Buxton is an intriguing fit at center. His defense is not in question. This season, the dynamic, two-way center fielder hit .306/.358/.647 with 19 home runs, 50 runs, 32 RBI, and nine steals in just 254 plate appearances. Add to that his contact hitting from both sides of the plate, and the Yankees have the perfect fit if they want to trade for a quality centerfielder.

In other news of interest

After the 2021 season, the Yankees fired third base coach Phil Nevin. In one of the few moves the Yankees have made, they replaced him with ex-Mets manager Luis Rojas. The Los Angeles Angels have since hired Nevin as their new third-base coach replacing Brian Butterfield.

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman has reported that the Yankees are interested in the Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins, It is also reported that the O’s will listen to offers. If the Yankees are interested, they won’t be alone. The Phillies, Rangers, Astros, and Giants are also interested in the O’s star.

If the New York Yankees are still interested in superstar Carlos Correa, they will have to fight for him, as the Detroit Tigers seem to have the edge on procuring his services. It would also match up Correa with his old cheating scandal manager A.J. Hinch.