The 2023 MLB trade deadline closed out on Tuesday evening. The New York Yankees, till the very last moment, looked extremely confused over their approach. As far as buying was concerned, Brian Cashamn’s shopping list contained a left fielder, catcher, and bullpen piece. On the other hand, as partial sellers, the club put impending free agents up for sale.
The Yankees’ confusion at the trade deadline was a result of the team’s underperformance. With the playoff race still wide open, Brian Cashman could not figure out if buying or selling was the right choice. Meanwhile, after weeks of hype, the Bronx Bombers eventually chose to buy. However, the underwhelming acquisitions sent fans and analysts alike into a frenzy.
Yankees Acquire Relievers Keynan Middleton, Spencer Howard At Trade Deadline
After weeks of hype around the trade deadline, the New York Yankees made relatively underwhelming moves. As expected, the club stayed away from making high-end and expensive sign-ins. Just minutes before the deadline closed down, the Yanks traded reliever Keynan Middleton from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Minor League piece Juan Carela. Further, Brian Cashman signed former top pitching prospect Spencer Howard from the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash considerations. This season, Middleton posted a 3.96 ERA, and two saves in 39 appearances. Also, in over 36 innings, he gave away 17 runs, 33 hits, and 16 walks against 47 strikeouts.
Apart from Middleton, the Yankees also acquired reliever and former pitching prospect Spencer Howard from the Rangers. Despite being a top prospect, Howard has relatively struggled in minor as well as major league. This season, he posted a 5.40 ERA in Triple-A with the Rangers. Naturally, owing to his underwhelming performance, the Yanks optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for the time being. With that, the Bronx Bombers’ trade rendezvous came to an end. The front office certainly did not live up to the hype. They let go of multiple high-end options as the belief over the current roster is way too high. With a 55-52 record, its remains to be seen if the Yanks manage to secure a playoff spot.
Brian Cashman Clarifies Underwhelming Trade Moves
The fans and analysts alike are perplexed over New York Yankees trade moves at the deadline. Undoubtedly, the supporters expected a lot more from the front office, especially due to the team’s current miserable state. Amid criticism, the club’s general manager issues a clarification. He said that the trade market wasn’t too deep in terms of options. Still, they tried to navigate their way through it and were constantly engaged in talks with other teams.
Unfortunately, nothing worked out. Having said that, Brian Cashman affirmed that the current roster has a lot of talent and capabilities. The present scenario does not do justice to the player’s caliber. While a lot of people suggested he make a big move, it just wasn’t in the best interest of the roster. With injured pitchers on course of a return and having two months of game time on the deck, Brian Cashman firmly believes the Yankees can turn it around.
