The New York Yankees had a keen interest in international trades this offseason. However, they were not likely to spend a lot of money to seal really expensive deals. But the fact that they had a horrible season this year played a huge factor in their decision-making process. While they knew their major weakness lies in their offense, the NY side has also been keen to reinforce their bullpen.
Anyway, after the 2023 season, the owner, Hal Steinbrenner, mentioned the franchise was planning on making some significant changes. But to redeem themselves, they ensured a major boost in their offense. Hence, the Yankees made a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres to receive Juan Soto and Trent Grisham. Prior to that, the Boston Red Sox traded Alex Verdugo to the Bronx. Recently, the Yankees traded Billy McKinney, an outfielder, to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
What Were The Yankees Thinking Before Trading McKinney For International Pool Money?
Yes Network’s Jack Curry reported that the NY side traded Billy McKinney for cash considerations. But it is weird, as they signed him for the minor league a week ago. Anyway, it seems the Yankees are targeting another Japanese player besides Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Brian Cashman had said that they target a couple of lefty outfielders and a superstar pitcher this offseason. With Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Alex Verdugo, the NY side’s outfield looks pretty solid. Now, it is time to target Yamamoto. But the Japanese star is in high demand. Hence, there is a chance that Cashman might fail to get Yamamoto.
That’s the reason why the Yankees might look at Roki Sasaki as a potential target. Recently, the Japanese flame thrower asked his franchise to post him because he wanted to join an MLB team. Albeit it is highly unlikely that he’ll come to MLB in 2023, the Yankees might want to be sure first. Moreover, Sasaki is like the Jacob deGrom of Japanese baseball. He can regularly pitch over 100 mph. Moreover, he’s very young, and people can call him amateur because of his age. But the Yankees know he can be a great pitching prospect.
The Bronx Fans Eager To See Their Team Redeem Themselves After A Horrible Season
Moreover, the GM, Brian Cashman, mentioned the value of the fan’s support. He said last month in the GM Meetings in Scottsdale, Arizona, that they want to make the fans happy again. This year, the 27-time champions did not even make the postseason. Previously, they were making the playoffs but were not able to go very far. But the Yankees Faithful want to see their team win the World Series again. However, since 2009, the most successful MLB team has not even made it to the “Big Dance.”
2009 was the last year when the NY side celebrated a World Series victory. That was their 27th championship success. Since then, the team’s trajectory has been a downward slope. They didn’t make the postseason for the first time, since 2016, in 2023. Moreover, they finished with an 82-80 record this season. It has been a tremendous shame for the 27-time champions.