The New York Yankees’ owner and general manager made several promises at the post-season press conference held last month. While Hal Steinbrenner’s demeanor was calm, Brian Cashman opted for a testy approach. Having said that, the leadership duo will face the challenge of living up to those promises during the upcoming winter meetings.
Teams will huddle up at Nashville starting December 4 next week to conduct a three-day long schedule. While the draft lottery will take place on Tuesday, Rule 5 Draft decisions will be taken on Wednesday. Meanwhile, ahead of the decisive week, let’s explore the New York Yankees’ roster needs they must address to bolster the lineup for the 2024 MLB season.
From Outfielders To Pitchers: What Are The Yankees Roster Needs?
The New York Yankees have a lot to contemplate on this off-season. Moreover, as far as roster needs are concerned, Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner dropped hints on the team’s off-season plans. Cashman confirmed going after two outfielders who are preferably left-handed hitters and can split time between center field and left field. So far, Juan Soto, Cody Bellinger, and Kevin Kiermaier have emerged as shortlisted candidates. Further, in the pitching department, Yoshinobu Yamamoto seems a sure deal coming through. The Japanese ace has developed an interest in joining New York’s buzz, which elevated the team’s odds of landing Yamamoto. Besides, the team could likely reunite with Jordan Montgomery or Frankie Montas.
Besides free agency acquisitions, the New York Yankees could also opt for trade deals. Gleyber Torres, who is not a free agent until the end of the 2024 season, has remained in trade negotiations for over a year now. Moreover, his hot form will only encourage the Yanks to use him as a trade chip. Also, Hal Steinbrenner confirmed building a young team for the 2024 season, which increases the odds of Austin Wells and Oswald Peraza’s inclusion on the opening-day roster. On the other hand, as far as the Rule 5 draft is concerned, the Yanks protected Clayton Beeter and catcher Agustin Ramirez last month. But at the same time, three of their Top 30 prospects, Jared Serna, right-hander Matt Sauer, and left-hander Edgar Barclay, are up for grabs.
Hal Steinbrenner Unwilling To Cashout Huge Bucks This Off-Season!
Amid high expectations and raging speculations, Hal Steinbrenner, the New York Yankees owner, cleared his intentions about spending big this off-season. Steinbrenner maintained his previous stance about not wanting to build a $300 million payroll roster. He stays firm on the belief that one does not need a high payroll squad to win a championship. Not only that, Hal cited the example of the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers to back his claim.
In the current payroll, the Yankees have two players who are responsible for covering $50 million alone. Moreover, Hal Steinbrenner barely avoided surpassing the luxury tax threshold last year. Thus, this year, the owner wants to exercise extreme caution and spend every penny as absolutely necessary. It would be interesting to see what unfolds next week at the winter meetings!
