Hal Steinbrenner’s hands are going to be full this off-season. He has a lot to introspect and determine how he wants his franchise to look like because, after the 2023 season, the New York Yankees’ legacy has come under scrutiny. Regardless, the owner is committed to fixing things this off-season, and here are some moves that Hal can consider during the coming winter.
Hal Steinbrenner Reassures Dejected Yankees Fans
Right when the New York Yankees began losing track this year, Hal Steinbrenner enraged the already dejected fans with dubious statements. He said that he failed to understand the fans’ agony and urged them not to count the team out. However, it sounded delusional to the fans who knew that the season was lost. Having said that, Steinbrenner needs to come out and speak to the fans directly before the 2024 season. He must reinstill faith in the supporters and provide them with reasons to cling to the hope of a turnaround.
Acquire Yoshinobu Yamamoto In A $200 Million Deal
It’s high time the Yankees acknowledged that they messed up with Carlos Rodon and revamped the rotation. Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the best available pitcher other than Shohei Ohtani. The 25-year-old is a 2 time MVP in Nippon Professional Baseball’s Pacific League. Moreover, over the past seven seasons, he clubbed together a 1.72 ERA with a startling 62–26 record. The Yanks are certainly interested and should consider locking him in a $200 million deal. He is just 25 and has the potential to dominate for a decade. It’s an investment worth making for a franchise like the Bronx Bombers.
Acquire Cody Bellinger
The top requirement of the New York Yankees this coming off-season would be a strong outfielder, possibly a left-hander. While Ohtani is a far-fetched dream, Cody Bellinger seems a realistic option. While the Chicago Cubs kept the Bombers at bay during the trade deadline, the outfielder will remain an unrestricted free agent in 2024. However, signing Bellinger will come with its own cons. He is a highly inconsistent player, and now that he has had a breakthrough year, the possibility of regression in 2024 is high. Regardless, there exists no better option than Cody for the Yanks, and they would have to take the plunge anyway.
Trade Brendan Donovan From Cardinals
The Yankees and Cardinals go a long way when it comes to successful trade deals. As both the teams registered a mediocre season, the duo would not mind shaking hands once again. A player of interest for the Bombers is outfielder Brendan Donovan. Before falling prey to an elbow injury, he was hitting .284 with 11 homers, 34 RBIs, and .787 OPS. Donovan is left and fits right into the Yanks’ criteria of an ideal hitter. He is one of the few best-hitting options that the Yanks must consider moving.
Bring In Former Yankees In Management
Since Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman aren’t going anywhere, maybe Hal Steinbrenner should consider adding former Yankee greats to the management team. They recently hired Andy Pettitte in a part-time role. Nick Swisher could be inducted into the minor league system to act as a mentor to the prospects. Moreover, David Cone previously showed interest in the pitching coach’s job. The fan favorite, Scott Brosius, has a handsome coaching experience. Steinbrenner must consider approaching any of the above-mentioned ex-Yankee greats for a potential mentorship role.
