Winter meetings will commence this coming Wednesday, and teams across MLB are finalizing their respective off-season target list. The New York Yankees could be the one with an extended list. However, the front office miscued by exposing a top prospect to the Rule 5 draft by not tendering him a contract at the deadline.
To those unversed, the Rule 5 Draft provides an opportunity for teams to select eligible players who are not protected on their respective organizations’ 40-man rosters. If chosen, the selected player must remain on the drafting team’s 26-man roster for the entire following season, or they will be offered back to their original team.
MLB Rivals Intrigued By Yankees Prospect Matt Sauer!
With the Rule 5 Draft on the horizon, the New York Yankees find themselves at a crossroads concerning one of their intriguing pitching prospects, Matt Sauer. Drafted by the Yanks in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Sauer quickly became a name to watch in the team’s minor league system. Sauer’s journey through the Bombers minor league affiliates has been marked by both successes and challenges. His variations showcased his potential to become a well-rounded pitcher. But injuries and inconsistencies have occasionally hampered his development. In 2023, the pitcher defied injury setbacks and pitched for three different minor-league affiliates. Sauer went 6-5 with a 3.41 ERA, with 93 strikeouts and 34 walks in 74 innings.
Despite extensive injury history, MLB.com speculates that Matt Sauer will remain an interesting candidate ahead of winter meetings. With a limited number of spots available on the 40-man roster, Matt Sauer failed to make the cut. Sauer’s talent is undeniable, but questions linger about his readiness for the rigors of MLB. Losing a player of his caliber could be a setback for the Yanks. But that’s the brutal side of MLB’s rigorous rules. As the Bronx Bomers approach the Rule 5 Draft, Matt Sauer’s fate hangs in the balance. On Wednesday, MLB teams will have the opportunity to claim Matt Sauer. If not waived, the pitcher would return to the Bronx and probably serve in 2024.
Luis Severino Lands With City Rivals!
Former New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino found a new home across the town of New York. After an abysmal 2023 season, the Bronx Bombers let him become a free agent. Now, if Jeff Passan of the Athletic is to be believed, Severino has reached an agreement with the New York Mets in a one-year deal worth $13 million. While the club and the pitcher involved are yet to react on the same, Passan seemed pretty confident.
With that, Luis Severino’s eight-year-long stint with the New York Yankees came to an end. Once regarded as a promising young talent, Severino struggled to stay healthy, which eventually led to his downfall. Moreover, the disastrous 2023 season acted as a last straw as Severino finished the season with an ERA above 6. It would be interesting to see how Severino adapts to the change in scenery.
