This off-season, the New York Yankees front office must remain proactive as never before. The abysmal 2023 season must be salvaged in 2024, and a comeback is essential. First things first, the poor roster construction needs to be addressed. The team lacked depth this season once injuries plagued regular players.
Thus, the addition of injury-free players is a must. Moreover, holes in left field, center field, and third base must be filled urgently. Having said that, to make space for the new faces, the Bronx Bombers have to part with a few. They did let go a few players at the non-tender deadline on Friday, but will that be enough to put an end to the extensive roster woes?
Yankees Yet To Decide Fate Of Eight Arbitration Eligible Players!
The tender deadline concluded on Friday, and the New York Yankees non-tendered three relievers. Lou Trivino, Albert Abreu, and Anthony Misiewicz did not receive a contract and will now hit free agency. Additionally, the team traded INF/OF Jake Bauers to the Brewers in exchange for a couple of outfield prospects. Nevertheless, the Bronx Bombers’ problems are far from over. They still have to decide on the fate of as many as eight arbitration-eligible players. If tendered, the eight players could eat up to $38 million of the club’s overall payroll. Gleyber Torres, meanwhile, is the most expensive of them all, with a projected salary of $15 million.
No wonder the infielder’s name has been making rounds in trade rumors. The Yankees have an overflowing depth in the infield. They can’t let someone like Torres, whose impact in the defense, stayed abysmal in the 2023 season. Of course, offensively, the second baseman had a blast. But is it enough to land him a $15 million contract? Probably not. It’s important for Bombers front office to reach an agreement with Torres and encourage him to settle for less. If not, the infielder could see himself out of the Bronx. Additionally, catcher Kyle Higashioka could also be moved due to overspilling catching depth and youth influx. The New York-based outfit will have until January 12 to crack a deal with the arbitration-eligible players.
ESPN Radio Host Suggests Absurd Gerrit Cole Trade!
The MLB rumor market has been churning out wild trade speculations lately. On Thursday, ESPN radio host Paul Hembekides, on his show “Greeny,” suggested Yankees trade ace starting pitcher Gerrit Cole this off-season. He explained, saying Cole isn’t getting any younger, and it’s the perfect time for the Bombers to restock their system and clear up monetary space. “Who knows, maybe you can even throw on another big contract that you want to get rid of, with Gerrit Cole to whoever acquires him,” said Hembekides.
Gerrit Cole won the American CY Young Award for the 2023 season despite the Yankees’ disgraceful season. Moreover, the ace isn’t a free agent until 2029 and is making $36 million per year. Also, Cole has been the only consistent force on the Yanks roster. He made it to All-Star in the last three seasons while delivering 30+ starts. Thus, it’s a far-fetched idea to even think of moving Cole in the imminent future.
