The New York Yankees had an aggressive off-season. They spent bucketloads of money in acquiring as well as retaining players. After re-signing Aaron Judge for nine years, the Bombers went ahead to sign Carlos Rodon to bring in a starting pitcher. Moreover, the Yanks provided one-year extension contracts to other existing players on the roster just on the trade deadline.
However, the one thing that is a miss on the Yankees roster is a designated left-field outfielder. The Yanks made a grave mistake when they let Andrew Benintendi move to Chicago. Moreover, the Bombers even let go of many good free agents. Amid the tussle, rumors came in that the Yankees are still eyeing a left-field outfielder in the free-agent market and apparently have set eyes on Jurickson Profar. However, according to the latest reports, the trade is unlikely to move forward.
Are Yankees Unable To Sign Jurickson Profar Due To Cash Crunch?
It is widely known the Yanks have spent a lot this off-season. The club had to spend an extra $40 million to retain Aaron Judge, who threatened to leave for the Giants. Moreover, they signed Carlos Rodon for a six-year deal worth $162 million to get a starting pitcher. However, they left a hole in the left field after Andrew parted ways with the Bombers and moved to Chicago. Hence, the Bombers are left wandering for an outfielder in the free-agent market.
Recently, Jurickson Profar emerged as a player of interest to the Bronx Bombers. The New York Post stated the Yanks are keeping tabs on the outfielder and wants to sign him. However, the club has already spent $290 million this off-season. For this off-season, the luxury tax threshold stays at $293 million, and the Yankees are committed to staying under the limit. Hence, they are unable to acquire any new players owing to a cash crunch in the payroll. This might be it for Jurickson Profar, who is unlikely to don the pinstripes in the 2023 MLB season.
Yankees Unwilling To Break The Fourth Luxury Tax Tier
This season, the luxury tax threshold for the New York Yankees is $292 million. Surpassing this will cost them 90% tax on every dollar spent above the threshold. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees are unwilling to surpass the threshold and stay under the limit this season. This would certainly mean the club would not be able to sign any players from the free-agent market going forward. Hence, the Jurickson Profar trade will have to wait for now
This leaves out the Yanks without a left-field outfielder. As Brian Cashman said, the club will make the adjustment internally to resolve the issue. Hence, the time is now, and they should start looking out for options. Aaron Hicks is the front runner to field in the left for the New York Yankees in the 2023 MLB season.