The non-tender trade deadline for the MLB 2023 season is almost at the door. Therefore, the teams are not looking to waste any more time in expanding their roaster. The entire limelight is focused on whether or not the Yankees will be able to get Aaron Judge back for the 2023 season. After re-signing Aaron Judge, the Yankees will need to clear some more room on the 40-man roster if owner Hal Steinbrenner is serious about making further upgrades.
More than 250 MLB players who are eligible for arbitration must receive offers by Friday at 8 p.m. ET. If not, they are considered free agents. There are three non-tender candidates, though, who the Yankees might be keeping an eye on. By the deadline on Friday, players who get contracts must sign them by January 13 in order to avoid arbitration fees being exchanged.
Kyle Higashioka
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Kyle Higashioka is the first of the three athletes. He is only expected to earn $1.7 million in arbitration for the 2023 season, but the Yankees may acquire much more talent for the catcher position on the free market if they so choose. Only continuity would make the Yankees consider keeping him. He is eager to take on any job that is required of him and is unquestionably a valuable addition to the clubhouse or dugout. At $1.7 million, the team won\’t find that anywhere else. But, the Yankees could spend more to get a better backup, which some might argue is necessary.
Lucas Luetge
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Last offseason, there were rumors that Lucas Luetge would be a non-tender candidate. He was then linked to trade rumors both before and after the trade deadline. The Yankees want a pitcher who can handle innings in both high- and low-leverage scenarios. And in this situation, Luetage could be the best solution for the Yankees. This would be a frugal choice, but if Judge is brought back, every cent will matter. The team management may believe that taking millions away and adding others on minimum/pre-arb salary with better upside is a worthwhile approach.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
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Isiah Kiner-Falefa is the last name on the list of non-tender applicants. He is owed $6.5 million and is nearing the last year of his arbitration eligibility. He is completely worthwhile if deployed as a utility player. The Yankees stand to gain significantly if he is used as a full-time player anywhere on the diamond. IKF would be meaningless for the Yankees as they would have several shortstops, with Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera expected to make the Opening Day roster. So, only time will tell what happens next.
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