The Yankees are thought to have one of the most expensive bullpens. However, they are only on the third-highest payroll this year. Although this does not make a difference to the fans, the Yankees are set to make the best squad. Meanwhile, the fans are still heartbroken about their last year’s knockout by Astros in the AL championship series. The Bombers are now trophyless for 13 seasons in a row. A team that wants to win every year is much behind their targetted aim at winning.
Meanwhile, These are the five most expensive contracts the Yankees have this year.
Aaron Judge
On December 2022, baseball superstar Aaron Judge made a bold move by declining a $213.5 million seven-year extension offered on Opening Day. However, his gamble paid off as he recently signed a new contract with the New York Yankees for a staggering $40 million in 2023. This makes it the largest free-agent contract in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. It is the highest annual average salary for a position player.
Gerrit Cole
Scott Boras of the renowned Boras Corporation successfully negotiated a contract agreement for the right-hander Gerrit Cole in 2019. The contract will pay Cole a whopping $36 million in 2023. The Yankees have shown tremendous interest in the pitcher’s service due to his incredible performance against the Yankees. After the deal, Cole said they had to win the world championship more than once.
Giancarlo Stanton
In November 2014, baseball superstar Giancarlo Stanton, fresh off his National League MVP award, signed a contract with the New York Yankees. The contract is set to pay Stanton $32 million in 2023. The team’s signing of Giancarlo Stanton, the New York Yankees, was a strategic decision. They wanted to acquire him before any other team could get their hands on the outfielder.
Josh Donaldson
In January 2020, the New York Yankees made a trade agreement that resulted in them acquiring infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa. The team had to take on the remaining $50 million of Josh Donaldson‘s contract as part of this deal.
With the savings from this trade, the Minnesota Twins could quickly sign shortstop Carlos Correa, who had triggered an opt-out clause after the season. However, the Yankees are now left with a difficult-to-move contract for Donaldson, which may significantly impact their future salary cap. Meanwhile, the Yankees expect a bounceback from the former MVP player this year.
DJ LeMahieu
In January 2021, the New York Yankees reached an agreement with free agent DJ LeMahieu, securing his services for the 2023 season at a salary of $15 million. This decision came after LeMahieu had achieved consecutive top-four finishes in the American League Most Valuable Player awards, making him a must-sign for the team.
Negotiations for his re-signing were prolonged but ultimately resulted in a compromise of a guaranteed sixth year at an annual average salary of $15 million, considered luxury-cap friendly. However, he has not been impressive in his recent stint. The Yankees have high expectations from the athlete.
