Christmas has come and gone, and by the appears of it, Santa missed the Bronx. This yr, followers of the New York Yankees discovered nothing underneath the tree or of their stockings. Nevertheless, St. Nick might hardly be blamed for the Yankees‘ excruciatingly underwhelming offseason.
By all appearances, the Yankees wish to discipline the identical workforce that failed final season, albeit with just a few subtractions. Their focus now’s to retain star outfielder Cody Bellinger. How are they doing on that entrance?
Based on New York baseball insider Jack Curry, the Yankees are taking a “wait and see strategy.” As such an announcement would counsel, nothing is definite. Nevertheless, this doubtless means the Yankees are out on Kyle Tucker.
Whereas the wait drags on, Yankees normal supervisor Brian Cashman has laid just a few of his playing cards on the desk— and Yankee followers should not enthusiastic.
Newest information and rumors from the Bronx
After re-signing Ryan Yarbrough, the Yankees have been noticeably quiet on the pitching market. Based on Curry, the workforce has not made an try to contact Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai. Imai pitched to a 1.92 ERA in Japan’s NPB final season and was beforehand regarded as a goal of curiosity.
As a possible backup plan to signing Cody Bellinger, the Yankees have reportedly proven curiosity in outfielder Austin Hays, in accordance with MLB insider Jon Heyman. Hays hit .266/.315/.453 with 16 house runs in 380 at-bats with the Reds final yr.
The Yankees re-signed Amed Rosario, a succesful middle-infielder, however might be making an attempt him at first base. He’ll doubtless change Paul Goldschmidt as Ben Rice’s platoon mate, pointing in the direction of a blatant, budget-minded strategy. Rosario hit .276/.309/.436 with six house runs as a member of the Nationals and Yankees final yr. In 191 plate appearances, he solely walked 10 instances, however his plate presence continues to be favorable in comparison with Rice when dealing with lefties.
In a small flurry of minor-league depth strikes, the Yankees have reportedly signed Mexican League MVP Nick Torres. Torres, who spent 5 seasons within the minors, broke out in Mexico, hitting .347/.425/.730 with 27 house runs in 326 at-bats this previous yr. His success in Mexico makes him a very intriguing addition to the Yankees, however given his flexibility (Torres can play first base and the outfield), it makes one surprise if he’s a cheap Bellinger backup plan who might or might not pan out.
Having made little or no motion this winter, the Yankees have seemingly ignored their unstable bullpen (4.37 ERA final season). With the latest signing of Pete Fairbanks by the Marlins, the chance so as to add a dependable bullpen arm appears to be previous them.
What this implies for the Yankees
The AL East has been on the middle of this winter’s offseason motion. The Blue Jays bolstered their pitching workers in a serious means, buying two of the highest arms in the marketplace in starter Dylan Stop and reliever Tyler Rogers. The Purple Sox managed to attain Sonny Grey and Willson Contreras in trades with the Cardinals. The Baltimore Orioles introduced in a haul of Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Ryan Helsley, Shane Baz and Andrew Kittredge amongst others.
On this hotly contested division, three groups have clearly gotten stronger. The Yankees, however, have grown weaker, including doubt to their standing as contenders. The offseason isn’t over but, but when these developments say something concerning the Yankees, it’s that followers shouldn’t anticipate something extravagant.
