This off-season, the New York Yankees’ front office made some tough decisions with respect to roster compositions. However, while some deserved to be cut off, a few perhaps should have stayed. Let’s see three such players who will fall into the good riddance category and two players who perhaps ended up being collateral damage.
Yankees Players That Fall Into ‘Good Riddance’ Category
Domingo German
Starting pitcher Domingo German scripted franchise history for the Yankees with a shutout game in the 2023 season. However, that proved to be the pitcher’s only positive highlight of the season. He was placed on an alcohol treatment program after an unruly clubhouse outburst, which also ended his season prematurely. Notably, German also faced suspension owing to domestic violence policy violations. To summarize, the problematic pitcher was nothing short of a liability for the Bronx Bombers. Thus, to part ways with him, this off-season was one of the much-needed moves from the front office.
Luis Severino
Luis Severino undoubtedly had a lot of potential when the Yankees signed an extension contract with him years ago. But the starting pitcher’s career trajectory only fell downwards after that. In his eight years at the club, Luis never managed to qualify for the all-star game, not even once. Moreover, last season, Severino hit rock bottom, which literally forced the Bombers to pull the plug. Severino finished 6.65 ERA in 18 starts whilst referring to himself as the worst pitcher in MLB. Additionally, injury concerns further added to his woes. Now he is with the Mets, but the Yankee fans still consider his axing as good riddance.
Josh Donaldson
Josh Donaldson was unarguably the most hated Yankee besides Aaron Hicks ever since he was traded from the Twins in 2022. The veteran third baseman lacked the desired athleticism. Moreover, his high strikeout rates and added injury woes further pushed him away from the club. Josh’s career trajectory with the Yankees was similar to Joey Gallo’s. And the club did the right thing by releasing him mid-season, as the infielder only appeared for 17 games last season. He later joined the Milwaukee Brewers, way out of the infuriated Yankee fans’ sight.
Players Who Should Have Stayed
Michael King
Michael King was all set for a promotion into the starting rotation this year before the Yankees decided to sacrifice him for generational talent Juan Soto. The seasonal reliever transformed into a starter mid-season. And when the Yanks needed it the most, King stepped up each time and was indeed looking forward to an added responsibility. But to acquire a talent like Soto, something had to give. And the club chose to use King as collateral damage. Michael King’s absence will definitely hurt the team, as his versatility was a big advantage in the bullpen.
Wandy Peralta
Wandy Peralta was another reliever who stepped up against adversities for the Yankees in the 2023 season. He came out of the pen 63 times and finished the year with a 2.83 ERA. However, the Yanks failed to re-acquire him this off-season. As the Bronx Bombers ran out of time, Peralta sought an opportunity elsewhere. And signed with the San Diego Padres in a mega four-year contract. It was surely an opportunity lost for Brian Cashman. But perhaps he wasn’t ready to commit long term, and it most likely acted as a deal breaker.
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