New York Yankees find themselves in a fix momentarily as they face severe injury issues ahead of the 2023 MLB regular season opening day.
Injuries have become a major issue for the New York Yankees ahead of the regular season. Key players like Carlos Rodon, Ben Rortvedt, Harrison Bader, and Tommy Kahnle all spent time on the injured list. The team has also been without starting pitcher Frankie Montas who injured his shoulder right before the commencement of the ongoing Grapefruit League.
As a result, the bullpen depth has lowered significantly for the New York Yankees. Apparently, the opening day is still less than two weeks away, which means the free agent market is open and unsigned players are still very much available. However, will the Yankees be willing to sort this resort considering the luxury tax regulation that looms over their head?
Brian Cashman Responds To Trade Rumors To Curb The Depth Issues
The New York Yankees have a kind of a logjam in the infield. The entire farm system has turned up for spring training to put their nomination for the final 26-man roster. Furthermore, the Bombers face the daunting task of stacking up a balanced roster with injuries piling up simultaneously. Hence, rumors started surfacing that the Yankees might resort to trades to ship away a few infielders in exchange for much-needed pitchers.
However, in responding to the rumors, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman ruled out any foreseeable trade possibilities. He said the team would only seek such a resort if it helps the roster in a big way, or else they are happy where they are right now. However, Cashman admitted to maintaining engagement with other clubs in the meantime to keep the relations healthy in case a need for trade arrives. Regardless, for the moment, the club has no immediate plans for a trade and will solely focus on the upcoming opening day.
“Who knows? We’ll see,” said Brian Cashman on trade possibilities.
Yankees GM Takes Blame For A Massive Failed Trade
Meanwhile, New York Yankees’ long-withstanding general manager was caught in a controversy when pitcher Frankie Montas made a startling revelation. Montas, who the Yanks traded from Oakland last season, failed to make an impact due to persisting injury issues. On top of that, the pitcher once again picked up the same injury ahead of the 2023 season and is likely to miss the upcoming season as well.
However, Frankie Montas made a shocking revelation when he admitted that during the trade last year, he was not feeling fully healthy and compromised in his fitness to make an impact for the Yanks. Furthermore, Cashman, who claimed to be unaware of the fact, took responsibility for the failed trade and said, “that’s ultimately my responsibility.” Montas, who posted a 3.18 ERA in 104.2 innings for Oakland Athletics, remained the most hyped-up trade last season. However, the pitcher could feature in only eight games before falling prey to a season-ending shoulder injury.