Yankees’ latest rumors point to a club in decline

Christmas has come and gone, and by the appears of it, Santa missed the Bronx. This 12 months, followers of the New York Yankees discovered nothing underneath the tree or of their stockings. Nonetheless, St. Nick might hardly be blamed for the Yankees’ excruciatingly underwhelming offseason.

By all appearances, the Yankees want to subject the identical crew that failed final season, albeit with a couple of subtractions. Their focus now could be to retain star outfielder Cody Bellinger. How are they doing on that entrance?

In keeping with New York baseball insider Jack Curry, the Yankees are taking a “wait and see method.” As such an announcement would counsel, nothing is for certain. Nonetheless, this doubtless means the Yankees are out on Kyle Tucker.

Whereas the wait drags on, Yankees common supervisor Brian Cashman has laid a couple of of his playing cards on the desk— and Yankee followers aren’t enthusiastic. 

Newest information and rumors from the Bronx 

After re-signing Ryan Yarbrough, the Yankees have been noticeably quiet on the pitching market. In keeping with Curry, the crew has not made an attempt 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 shown interest 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 12 months.

The Yankees re-signed Amed Rosario, a succesful middle-infielder, however shall be trying 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 method. Rosario hit .276/.309/.436 with six house runs as a member of the Nationals and Yankees final 12 months. In 191 plate appearances, he solely walked 10 occasions, 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 12 months. His success in Mexico makes him a really intriguing addition to the Yankees, however given his flexibility (Torres can play first base and the outfield), it makes one marvel if he’s an affordable 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 current signing of Pete Fairbanks by the Marlins, the opportunity to add a dependable bullpen arm appears to be previous them.

What this implies for the Yankees 

The AL East has been on the heart of this winter’s offseason motion. The Blue Jays bolstered their pitching workers in a significant means, buying two of the highest arms available on the market in starter Dylan Stop and reliever Tyler Rogers. The Crimson 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, alternatively, 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 count on something extravagant.