The New York Yankees is the second-largest franchise across global sports. Hence, the club has stacks of money to spend in the off-season. The club has a reputation for bringing in settled players with big bucks rather than acquiring young talent at a lower price. Just this off-season, the Yanks retained Aaron Judge for $360 million and acquired Carlos Rodon for $162 million.
However, the bullpen is missing a few pieces. For instance, the Yanks let Andrew Benintendi walk away for the White Sox, which eventually poked a hole in the left field. Ever since the Bombers have tried to fill in that spot in the market but so far failed miserably. Earlier MLB insider, Jon Morosi, reported the Yankees are keeping tabs on San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar. However, the latest developments in that matter may discourage the fans.
Jurickson Profar Remains Adamant On Payroll, Yankees Unable To Close The Deal
Former San Diego Padres outfielder, Jurickson Profar, is a free agent for now. Jon Morosi earlier stated that various clubs are keeping tabs on the outfielder. One of them happens to be the New York Yankees. The desperation of the Yankees to acquire a left fielder is not hidden from the world. Hence, they tried to hold talks with Profar, who entered the free agent market after opting out of the three-year contract with the Padres.
However, Brendan Kuty of the Athletics reports the deal between Jurickson Profar and the Yankees is in a deadlock and unlikely to happen anytime soon. Profar, who opted out of a $21 million contract, has set a high price tag for himself. And the biggest franchise of the MLB, the New York Yankees, apparently is unable to meet the asked price. The Bombers have Steve Cohen Tax lingering around their shoulders. Moreover, the club has reached the tax threshold and hence is unable to afford Profar.
Yanks In A Fix As They Reach The Luxury Tax Threshold
Steve Cohen Tax is a luxury tax that limits an organization’s spending limit per off-season. For this year, the Yankees’ threshold is $293 million, and the club is currently at $290 million. Hence, for every dollar spent above $293 million, the Yankees will have to pay 90% tax under the luxury tax rule. Moreover, the Bombers are second-time offenders. Hence, the 90% cut.
Furthermore, the New York Yankees want to stay under the luxury tax law and stay within the threshold. If the club does so, it will restrict them from buying any more notable names from the free agent market unless they find a way to shed some money. Even that looks highly unlikely at the moment. Hence, Jurickson Profar may not don the pinstriped this season. Meanwhile, the Yanks also have set eyes on Bryan Reynolds from the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, the Pirates’ ridiculous ask has stalled the trade.