Getting In A New York (GM’s) State of Mind
Much has been made in recent years in regards to the ever evolving offseason in Major League Baseball. From valued commodities like Bryce Harper signing late in the winter, to experienced veterans like Adam Jones being kicked to the curb, the state of baseball’s offseason is unlike any we’ve ever seen. These unprecedented changes are about to get even weirder and more severe. Amidst a global pandemic, organizations will be forced to garner new, even more financially savvy strategies. The Cleveland Indians are increasingly likely to move franchise cornerstone Francisco Lindor, rather than dishing out a hefty extension, while the New York Mets, under new ownership, seem to be more ready than ever to spend. While many teams may be ultra-conservative when it comes to free agency, big market teams (like the Mets) could take advantage of this and have an open-season of sorts, with their pick of free agents. So where does this leave the New York Yankees, known spenders since the days of George Steinbrenner?
The Yankees, after a bit of a Cinderella-like run in 2017 have been loaded with expectations ever since. Early postseason exits, courtesy of each of the last three American League pennant winners, have held back the Bronx Bombers from reaching their ultimate goal of a 28th championship. So, the question must be asked, what needs to be done for the Yankees to reach the Fall Classic for the first time in over a decade. Here is, not what I expect the Yankees to do this winter, but what I feel should be done:
Re-signings:
- SP Masahiro Tanaka (3 years, $47mil)
- INF DJ LeMahieu (4 years, $85mil)
- OF Brett Gardner (1 year, $6mil)
- RP Tommy Kahnle (3 years, $10mil)
Tanaka struggled mightily this postseason but has produced consistently for New York, especially in October. Pitching depth proved to be a real concern, with arms like Luis Severino and James Paxton on the shelf most of 2020, and in a relatively thin starting pitching market, the Yankees should turn to a guy that know they can rely on. LeMahieu remains the biggest question mark of the offseason, and the Yankees plans will be hinged by the batting champ’s ultimate decision. The Yankees seem keen on not going into the five year range on a potential deal with LeMahieu. While LeMahieu has been unequivocally the team’s MVP the last two seasons, it’s not difficult to see why they are hesitant to give a 32 year old such a contract. The aforementioned Francisco Lindor will almost certainly be dealt this offseason, and after 2021 would require a long-term deal, so it could be much more logical for Cashman & Co. to wheel and deal for Lindor, who is five years younger and would allow for Gleyber Torres (who has struggled defensively) to move back over to second base. While LeMahieu would only cost money, spending the resources to acquire Lindor and extend him long-term may make more sense than pushing the limits with a long-term deal for LeMahieu. If the Yankees can get him for around three years, they absolutely have to, and with LeMahieu’s desire to return to the Bronx, it can get done. Brett Gardner’s presence and leadership have been invaluable for years to come, and there is no reason to not bring him back into the fold in 2021. The often injury-riddled Yankees have been forced to lean on their depth heavily in recent years, and having an outfielder like Gardner in a reserve/bench role, can only help. As far as Tommy Kahnle goes, he will miss a vast majority of the 2021 campaign, but signing him to a two year deal, could pay great dividends in the near future, at a fairly cheap price. Finally, although not necessarily a “re-signing”, the Yankees need to find a way to keep Erik Kratz in the organization in some capacity. “Papa” as he was often called by Deivi Garcia and other Baby Bombers, Kratz has been a great mentor for young Yankees and could certainly find himself as an MLB manager somewhere down the road.
Trade Away:
- OF Aaron Hicks
- RP Adam Ottavino
Quite frankly, I don’t see either of these guys being traded away anytime soon. The Yankees love Aaron Hicks (as proven by his extension) and given the lack of flexibility defensively, I would assume they want to keep him in the fold. However, I am of the opinion that the Yankees need another contact-first, DJ LeMahieu type bat in the lineup, and the only spot I see to add such a player is center-field. DJ LeMahieu’s certainly don’t grow on trees, but finding someone who puts the ball in play could help significantly. Trading Hicks away, could return some value and would free up space, both financially and in the lineup. The Ottavino move would be purely monetary, allowing the Yankees to dip into the Free Agent pool to improve their bullpen. Overall, Adam Ottavino has not produced to the level New York expected and his contract handicaps the ability for any improvement.
Trade For:
- C/1B Buster Posey
The Yankees have to address the catcher position in some form this offseason. They appear to be, at least for the time being, committed to Gary Sanchez, but Sanchez has struggled with injury in the past. That injury history and his inconsistencies both at, and behind, the plate create a situation where more depth can only help. Posey has one year remaining on his contract, and with top prospect Joey Bart emerging in 2020, (while it may not be extremely likely) a scenario where the veteran Posey is moved is not out of the realm of possibilities. The Giants may not be willing to move Posey, but it can’t hurt to ask. The other big hurdle would be Buster’s $21+ million salary for next season, but if the Giants try to cut salary, like many organizations in 2020, and the Yankees are willing to eat a chunk of Posey’s money, a balanced deal could be worked out. Finally, notice how I also labeled Posey as a first baseman. I am proposing that the Yankees carry three catchers, with Posey also handling the role as backup to Luke Voit.
Free Agent Signings:
- OF David Dahl (3 years, $18mil + team option for 4th year)
- SP Cole Hamels (2 years, $13mil)
- RP Darren O’Day (1 year, $4mil)
- RP Archie Bradley (3 years, $15mil)
To me, David Dahl was the biggest surprise among the many players non-tendered by their previous organizations. Looking for another LeMahieu-type bat in the lineup, CF appeared to be the position most vulnerable. While Dahl is obviously not on the same level as LeMahieu, he is a guy who can put the ball in play, and as a lefty hitter can provide much needed balance in the Yankees’ lineup. Dahl has mainly played the corner outfield positions, but I believe he has CF-quality defensive potential; this defensive versatility will also add balance in the outfield. Cole Hamels is a proven veteran commodity with loads of postseason experience, and given that he made just one appearance in 2020, could come cheap. Darren O’Day has been easily one of the most underrated relievers in baseball over the last decade or so, and continues to be productive. The Yankees need to find more reliable depth in the bullpen and O’Day could serve as just that, at a reasonable price. Furthermore in the bullpen, the Yankees have shown interest in Archie Bradley for several years now, and even during this past summer’s trade deadline, he was linked to New York. At his age, he should garner a multi-year deal, but given the current landscape of baseball’s finances, he too should come at a discount.
2021 MLB Options (Secondary Positions):
C- Gary Sanchez, Kyle Higashioka, Buster Posey (1B)
1B- Luke Voit, Mike Ford
2B- DJ LeMahieu (1B, 3B), Thairo Estrada (3B, SS)
3B- Gio Urshela (2B, SS), Miguel Andujar (1B, LF)
SS- Gleyber Torres (2B), Tyler Wade (2B, 3B, LF, RF)
CF- David Dahl (LF), Brett Gardner (LF), Estevan Florial (LF)
RF- Aaron Judge
LF- Clint Frazier (CF, RF), Mike Tauchman (CF, RF)
DH- Giancarlo Stanton (LF, RF)
SP- Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, Cole Hamels, Jordan Montgomery, Deivi Garcia, Clarke Schmidt, Michael King
RP- Aroldis Chapman, Chad Green, Zack Britton, Darren O’Day, Archie Bradley, Jonathan Loaisaga, Luis Cessa, Brooks Kriske, Nick Nelson, Ben Heller
- Tyler Benenati; Sports Throne Contributor
