seiya suzuki

What an A+ off-season for the Yankees would look like

by
trevor story, new york yankees

If the New York Yankees want to have a successful off-season, general manager Brian Cashman has to be aggressive coming out of the lockout. Hal Steinbrenner instructed Cashman to wait patiently for the luxury tax threshold to reset during negotiations with the Players Union, which could affect their spending.

Before the lockout, teams spent over $1 billion on players on the market, leaving the Yankees in their dust as they scooped up the majority of talent. Nonetheless, there are still quality players available, notably Carlos Correa, Carlos Rodon, and Trevor Story. They could also set their sights on a player like Freddie Freeman if he’s willing to part ways with Atlanta after winning a championship this past season.

Let’s take a look at what an A+ off-season might look like for the Yankees, addressing multiple positions of concern.

An A+ off-season for the Yankees might look like this:

-Trevor Story

If the Yankees are looking for a stopgap at shortstop, Trevor Story could fit the bill perfectly over a two-year contract. Cashman has indicated they prefer to wait for Anthony Volpe to reach the majors, which will likely be in about two years. There are concerns with Story’s degrading arm strength, and if they overpay him a bit to settle on a short-term deal, The Yankees will get a solid offensive piece with power and a good defender to hold them over (moving him to 3rd on a long-term deal wouldn’t pan out).

Story had a down here in 2021 compared to his previous seasons. He hit .251 with 24 homers and a 23.4% strikeout rate. He still recorded a 3.5 WAR and 20 stolen bases, showcasing his athleticism. A two-year deal with a third-year club option would be ideal, but he would likely cost $20+ million per season over a contract of that length, which is necessary given the team’s weakness.

-Seiya Suzuki

The Yankees were one of Seiya Suzuki’s aggressive pursuers before the lockout, and they will likely continue chasing after his signature in the future. Suzuki has been compared to former Yankee Hideki Matsui, and their statistics coming out of Japan were eerily similar. Suzuki finished the 2021 season with a .317 average and 38 homers.

It is expected that Suzuki will land a deal in the five-year, $55 million range, and given his excessive power, the Yankees would have no problem paying him with the potential for massive upside. He would likely take over in right field, moving Aaron Judge to center, leaving Aaron Hicks in a reserve role.

-Carlos Rodon

At some point, the Yankees are going to have to spend on a starting pitcher, and they had $25 million on the table for Justin Verlander before the lockout. They could pursue an option by Carlos Rodon, who represents one of the better names on the market currently after the top pitchers were scooped up early on. Rodon posted a 2.37 ERA in 2021 over 132.2 innings.

Given his inconsistencies throughout his career, Rodon likely wouldn’t garner a long-term deal, but rather a short-term contract with incentives and an option if he performs well enough. The biggest difference for Rodon was his velocity last year, seeing a 3 mph increase with his fastball, which he used 58.6% of the time. With an increase in velocity and spin rate, Rodon has become an adequate starter and someone that could slot behind Gerrit Cole and provide the Yankees with more quality.

-Trade for Matt Olson

At some point, the Yankees need to understand that trading prospects for established players is a recipe for success. Considering they failed to develop Gleyber Torres, Gary Sanchez, and Luis Severino, utilizing some of their existing talents in the minor leagues could be useful to acquire a player like Matt Olson.

Olson is an incredible talent at 27-years-old. The Oakland Athletics still have team control over Olsen until 2024, giving him two more years of cost-efficient play at first base.

This past season, Olson hit .271 with 39 homers and a 16.8% strikeout rate. He took the jump to superstar, and injecting a lefty who can hit 40+ homers at Yankee Stadium into the lineup would be astronomical. Now, the deal would likely force the Yankees to part ways with some notable names, but a player like Olson gives your team a chance to compete offensively at a level beyond what we’ve seen the past few seasons.

Altogether, this grouping of players upgrades multiple spots of need for the Bombers and will undoubtedly put them in a position to make a run at the World Series in 2022.

How would you grade this prospective off-season? Comment here!

Yankees could sign Hideki Matsui replica in free agency

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Seiya Suzuki, yankees

The New York Yankees are focused on finding a short-stop free agent this off-season, but another name has bubbled to the surface and could be a solution in the outfield.

Suppose the Bombers were looking for an exact replica of Hideki Matsui. In that case, they might have found a player with his potential in Seiyu Suzuki, who is looking to make a move to Major League baseball after spending his career in Japan with the Hiroshima Carps.

The Yankees and Boston Red Sox were two teams “aggresively” pursuing Suzuki before the lockout, and with a 30-day window to strike a deal with a Major League team, that timeline was put on hold as the owners and Players Union battles it out to compromise on several important issues.

However, when things open back up, Suzuki will be a hot commodity on the open market, expected to sign a five-year, $55 million contract, potentially even more.

Looking at Suzuki’s style of play, his preferred position is right field, currently housed by Aaron Judge. Judge is on the brink of a monster contract extension himself, but Suzuki could make the transition to centerfield unless the Yankees are willing to transition Judge away from his strongest spot.

Looking at the Japanese star’s metrics, they closely compare to Matsui’s back in the day at 26-years-old.

Hideki Matsui’s age 26 season in Japan: .316/.438/.654/1.092 with 42 homers.

Seiya Suzuki’s age 26 seasons in Japan: .317/.433/.639/1.072with 38 homers.

It really can’t get closer between Matsui and Suzuki, who is only about four homers short of exactly replicating Hideki’s numbers.

Given the success the Yankees have had with Japanese players in the past, notably Masahiro Tanaka, Matsui, and Ichiro Suzuki, making a run at the Hiroshima outfielder could be in their best interest.

Ultimately, it comes down to how much general manager Brian Cashman is going to spend this off-season, having already committed to upgrading the shortstop position and adding a starting pitcher to pair with Gerrit Cole.

Whether it be Trevor Story or Carlos Correa, either will cost upwards of $20 million per season to acquire, and a starting pitcher could hover in the same price range. Unless the team is keen on trading for a shortstop that will cost far less, expect Hal Steinbrenner to open up his checkbook after the lockout, which is hard to believe after the Yankees remained quiet prior to the league shutting down.

In terms of Suzuki, he recently unfollowed the Boston Red Sox on Instagram, so it could be a hint that he prefers to wear pinstripes instead of joining a Boston team that had even more success last season. The team’s relationships with Matsui and Tanaka may even prove to be an advantage in their pursuit of Seiya.

New York Yankees News: Everything you need to know in one place

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CC, Jeff Nelson suggests Frazier shut his trap

The New York Yankees designated their failed outfielder Clint Frazier for assignment on Nov. 19 and cut him days later; the move brought to an end his tremulous time with the Yankees. Frazier, now 27 years old, took a one-year $1.5 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. He is now taking shots at the Yankees in usual Clint Frazier form as his immaturity shines through yet again. Some ex-Yankees are not taking it lightly.

Pitcher Jeff Nelson has been one of the most outspoken:

“Here is something for you,” Nelson tweeted. “You can talk the talk but, you have not walked the walk. Love the confidence but, you have to do something on the field.” “Don’t talk s–t about the Yankees when they gave him a chance so, screw you,” Nelson tweeted.

Pitcher CC Sabathia chimed in: 

“If I see another Clint Frazier story, bro, I’m gonna punch somebody in the f–king face,” he said on the R2C2 Podcast, per Audacy’s John Healy. “S–t is ridiculous. That kid played 15 games in the f–king big leagues. Get the f–k out of here with all these stupid ass f–king stories.”

Seiyu Suzuki suggests no-no to the Red Sox via social media

The New York Yankees have been reportedly aggressive in their pursuit of Japanese stud outfielder Seiyu Suzuki. After the lockout is resolved, it is assumed that Brian Cashman will continue that pursuit. Last season the start outfielder had a Suzuki posted a .317 batting average with 38 homers and 88 RBIs, striking out 89 times over 439 at-bats. If the Yankees can land the right-fielder, it could solve two problems for the team. They could move star Aaron Judge to center where he played flawlessly last season, sometimes replacing the ill Aaron Hicks, and put Suzuki in right.

The Yankees were not the only team in hot pursuit of the star; the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays were also aggressive. But in a bit of good news for the Yankees is that Suzuki apparently has scrubbed the Red Sox off his list of teams he might be interested in playing for. He un-followed the Red Sox on social media.

Ex-Yankee Mike Tauchman Korea bound

Many New York Yankee fans were sorry to see lefty Mike Tauchman leave the Yankees. Last season he played only eleven games for the Yankees when they traded him to the San Francisco Giants. He played in only 64 games with the Giants with a .186 batting average. Now a free agent, he has signed with the Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization, receiving a $300K signing bonus and salary of $700K for a total of $1 million. Hopefully, the outfielder can savage his career overseas.

Aaron Hicks is healthy and reported ready for 2022

Reportedly center fielder Aaron Hicks is healthy and ready to take his place on the field. On the upside, he played winter ball in the Dominican, which is now over. He got off to a slow start but heated up near the end of the season. With the Leones del Escogido he played in twelve games, hitting 4 home runs and batting .265.

The big question with Hicks is if he can stay healthy. History has proven that when he can stay on the field for any time, his hitting improves. However, the Yankees are not counting on him staying healthy. After the lockout is resolved, the Yankees may look to replace him, making him a bench player.

Rob Brantly to be number 3 backstop

The Yankees have re-signed catcher Rob Brantly to a minor league contract. Brantly played six games for the Yankees during the 2021 season, collecting three hits in 21 at-bats. Most of Brantly’s playing time last season came with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he hit .289 in 68 games. By signing Brantly, the Yankees will gain depth in triple -A and a third option at the Stadium, after Gary Sanchez and Kyle Higashioka.

Yankees among the teams that re-invest small amounts back into the team

One big question for Yankee fans, is after the lockout is over, will the Yankees spend the necessary money to improve the team for 2022? The Yankees in the last few years have been among the teams that have spent the least of their revenues to re-invest in their team. In 2018 they spent just 29.5 and only 33% of revenues for payroll enhancement in the last reporting year, 2019. 

The Yankees have some pretty big holes to fill, notably getting a shortstop to play in place of Gleyber Torres that has been moved to second base. Many of the best options are already gone. They also need a valid number two starting pitcher to follow Gerrit Cole. Add to that they need help in center field and also have decisions to make at first base. Both owner Hal Steinbrenner and GM Brian Cashman have indicated that they are willing to spend, but as of this point have done nothing.

Yankees News: Star Japanese free agent shuns the Red Sox, former Yankee signs with Korean team

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Seiya Suzuki, yankees

The New York Yankees were recently listed as an aggressive player in the sweepstakes for Japanese stud outfielder Seiyu Suzuki. General manager Brian Cashman was rather quiet before the lockout, but it is possible he comes out guns blazing once things return to normal. The expectation is that Suzuki will be one of their primary targets after a stellar season with Hiroshima in the Japanese League.

Suzuki posted a .317 batting average with 38 homers and 88 RBIs, striking out 89 times over 439 at-bats. He’s primarily a right fielder, which could force Aaron Judge to transition to centerfield, a spot he played flawlessly during the 2020–21 season with the absence of Aaron Hicks.

At this point, relying on Hicks to be an everyday option in the outfield may be a bit optimistic given his injury history. If the Bombers are willing to replace him as a starter and relegate him to second-team duties, they could get a bit more value out of his seven-year, $70 million contract.

Suzuki has incredible power as a lefty, showcasing quick hands and a smooth swing. Featuring him as one of their slugging outfielders would likely produce stellar results. The Yankees have had great success in the past utilizing Japanese talent, notably Hideki Matsui, Masahiro Tanaka, and even Ichiro Suzuki.

The expectation is that Suzuki will cost about $55 million over five years, but he could earn a bit more if teams begin a bidding war. Luckily for the Yanks, Suzuki unfollowed the Boston Red Sox on social media, throwing a bit of shade toward one of the “aggressive” teams targeting him post-lockout.

One former Yankee is heading overseas to play in the Korean league:

Former fan-favorite Mike Tauchman signed a new deal with a Hanwha Eagles of the Korean Baseball Organization, receiving a $300K signing bonus and salary of $700K for a total of $1 million. After being selected in the 10th round of the 2013 draft, Tauchman served a major purpose for the Yankees before Covid struck. With his flexibility in the outfield and adequate contact-hitting qualities, he will make the move across the ocean to cash in one last time.

The New York Yankees may have an Aaron Hicks problem after Winter League struggles

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New York Yankees, Aaron Hicks

The New York Yankees did not act before the lockout to bolster their presence in center field. With questions remaining regarding Aaron Hicks’ ability to stay on the field during 2022, GM Brian Cashman noted even though low on his priority list of improvements, center field was a concern of his.

That concern continues today with Hicks’s slow start in Dominican Winter Ball. Hicks, in 44 plate appearances, is hitting .250 with only one home run. The fact that he is playing winter ball is encouraging, but at the same time, it says he is not as good as new.

In May, it was revealed that he had a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist. Hicks missed most of the 2021 season with the wrist injury that ended up needing season-ending surgery. Hicks has quite an injury history in his time with the Yankees.

In 2018, he had a Right Intercostal Muscle Strain. During 2019, he had two bouts with elbow problems and also endured back problems that kept him off the field. In 2020, he had problems with his calves. 2021 was his worst injury season.

First, in April, he had an undisclosed injury, followed two weeks later with back problems, followed by the wrist injury. He ended playing in only 32 games. Hicks, during the last three years, has never played in more than 59 games.

With his injury history and possibly not having Brett Gardner in 2022, the Yankees were looking for help. The word is that the Yankees were heavily in on Japanese star outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who was posted by the Hiroshima Carp last month. The bad news for the Yankees is that the Toronto Blue Jays and the Red Sox are also pursuing him. He’ll have three more weeks to negotiate with all 30 teams or return to Japan when the lockout is over.

With the Yankees having Aaron Judge, Joey Gallo, and Giancarlo Stanton already in the outfield, Suzuki is not the perfect fit as he has little time in center field. If the Yankees land Suzuki, they could move Aaron Judge to center as he played adequately there last season in Hicks’s absence. That would allow them to play Suzuki in his natural position in right field. Suzuki is praised for his speed and base stealing. He stole 25 bases two seasons ago — but what they like most about him is his power (38 homers and a 1.072 OPS with Hiroshima last season.

The Yankees will hope that Hicks will shake the rust off in winter ball, but they also want to be prepared if Hicks can’t stay healthy. With the loss of Starling Marte to the Mets, the Yankees don’t have many options left in center field. This is just one more situation we will have to wait on an outcome once the lockout is lifted.

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

by
lucas luetge, yankees

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. 

Yankees ‘aggressively’ pursuing Japanese star outfielder Seiya Suzuki

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Seiya Suzuki, yankees

There is reason to believe the New York Yankees will be extremely aggressive coming out of the lockout regarding free agency. General manager Brian Cashman failed to spend or acquire any new players via signings or trades, but that seemed to be part of their overall strategy.

The Yankees have been linked to a number of players, ranging from Justin Verlander to Corey Seager, who have both since agreed to deals with new teams, notably the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros. However, there is plenty of talent left on the market for Cashman to scoop up when things return to normal.

One free-agent target, the Yankees, are reported “aggressively” pursuing his Japanese star outfielder Seiyu Suzuki.

Suzuki is a 27-year-old Japanese native looking to make the transition to the MLB after spending the last nine seasons with Hiroshima. With the lockout commencing, Suzuki’s 30 day period to find a new team has stalled, giving him time to negotiate and figure out an adequate contract.

The projected deal for Suzuki’s is around five years, $55 million, making $11 million per season. It is possible that number increases, and given he hit .317 with 38 homers and 88 RBIs this past year, there’s a reason to believe plenty of teams will be intrigued by his skill set.

Suzuki also has experience playing third base and shortstop but could fill the centerfield spot valiantly with Aaron Hicks dealing with consistent injuries the past few seasons. Cashman indicated earlier this off-season he would be looking for supplements in the outfield after allowing Clint Frazier to walk in free agency and rejecting the club option for Brett Gardner.

The Yankees have had plenty of success signing Japanese players in the past, notably Masahiro Tanaka, Hideki Matsui, and bringing on Ichiro Suzuki later on during his career in the states. Seiya could be the next in line to provide significant talent at the MLB level, and given his double-digit homer seasons, there’s no question the Yankees will be involved in a potential deal.

Yankees eyeing stud Japanese outfielder in free agency

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Seiya Suzuki, yankees

The New York Yankees have had success bringing players over from Japan in the past, notably Masahiro Tanaka and Hideki Matsui. I would be remiss not to mention Ichiro Suzuki, who signed with the Yankees after a phenomenal career with the Seattle Mariners, posting 10 All-Star appearances and an MVP award.

There’s another awesome prospect on the horizon who is looking to make the transition to major league baseball. Seiya Suzuki, who spent last season with Hiroshima in Japan’s Central League. He was preparing to negotiate with teams in the MLB before the lockout.

Unfortunately, the lockout has stalled his progression to make a move, but it is entirely possible that his transition takes place in the spring when the lockout is expected to end. The Yankees are reportedly one of the few teams aggressively pursuing his talents, and at 27-years-old, he has plenty of time left to develop into a phenomenal major league player. Considering Ichiro made the move at 27 as well, Seiya has similar potential, but he’s not comparable to Ichiro, of course.

General manager Brian Cashman declined to comment about the Yankees considering Suzuki would be a free agent acquisition, given the lockout rules.

What would the Japanese star bring to the Yankees?

Nonetheless, Suzuki is projected to earn a contract worth $55 million over five years, and for a player of his talent, it could end up being a steal. Suzuki posted a .317 batting average over 435 at-bats this past season. He recorded 38 homers, 88 RBIs, and nine stolen bases.

Suzuki predominantly features in the outfield but has the capability to play at shortstop and third base. The super-utility player is most comfortable in the outfield, and with the Yankees looking to acquire another talent after allowing Clint Frazier to walk this off-season and rejecting the club option for Brett Gardner, he could fit the bill.

While the Yankees will have plenty of competition for his signature, his phenomenal bat and quality defense make him an attractive prospect and one that has flown under the radar.