About the Off-Season: New Year- Fresh Hopes
By Tim Kabel
January 2, 2025
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A new year has begun. Last year, the Yankees made it to the World Series, where they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers. With a new year comes fresh hopes. Since the Yankees made it to the World Series last year, it is not out of the question to think that they could do so again. They have lost several players from last year’s team. Most notably, Juan Soto signed with the Mets. The Yankees also lost Gleyber Torres, Anthony Rizzo, Alex Verdugo, Clay Holmes, and Tommy Khanle. They also traded away Nestor Cortes and Jose Trevino. Well, to make up for that, they signed Max Fried, Paul Goldschmidt, and Jonathan Loaisiga. They also traded for Devin Williams, Cody Bellinger, and Fernando Cruz.
If the Yankees did not make any additional moves, they would be a very competitive team. However, it is extremely unlikely that they will not make additional moves. The Yankees are reportedly pursuing at least one, if not two, left-handed relief pitchers. In addition, they seem to have Clayton Beeter earmarked for a bullpen role as well. If the Yankees bring back Tim Hill and sign Andrew Chafin, they will have a very strong bullpen.
The Yankees are also in hot pursuit of Roki Sasaki. It is impossible to tell how realistic it is that the Yankees will sign him., He did grant the Yankees an audience along with some other teams. Not every team who wanted one was so lucky. He reportedly is very interested in signing with a team that can help him develop and reach his full potential as a pitcher. Remember, that was something that impressed Max Fried to the point that he signed with the Yankees. Maybe it will be enough to bring Sasaki here as well.
There are reports that the Yankees plan to rely on DJ LeMahieu as their primary option at third base. There are also multiple reports of Sasquatch sightings every day. I think Sasquatch has a better chance of being the starting third baseman for the Yankees than DJ LeMahieu. They still have time to make that move. Just because they haven't done it yet, does not mean that they won't. Once they finalize the bullpen and there is a resolution to the Roki Sasaki situation, the only issue will be third base, unless of course the Yankees plan to keep Jazz Chisholm, Jr. there and find someone to play second base.
There will be options for third base. Until Alex Bregman signs with another team, he is a possibility. The Cardinals want to trade Nolan Arenado. He is also a possibility. I don't know that the Yankees really are interested in either of those players but, there is time. There is also time for something else.
Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. has told the Toronto Blue Jays that unless they reach agreement with him on an extension by the first day of spring training, he will no longer negotiate with them, and will enter free agency. The sides are reportedly very far apart. Spring training starts in about six weeks. If the Blue Jays are unable to sign Vlad, they may very well be inclined to trade him. The prospects of them re-signing him once he becomes a free agent would appear to be bleak. After all, they tried very hard to sign Juan Soto but, could not do it. If the Blue Jays decide that they cannot re-sign Vlad and want to trade him at the beginning of spring training, the Yankees should jump all over that deal.
I read a trade proposal that suggested the Blue Jays would be willing to accept Spencer Jones, Will Warren, and Everson Pereira in exchange for Vlad. That's not something I made up. It's a proposal that I read and I’m sure most of you read it as well. If that is accurate, I would personally pay for the transportation of Jones, Warren, and Pereira to the airport, so they could fly to Toronto. Since Vlad is open to the idea signing an extension with the Blue Jays, it would be reasonable and logical to assume that if he were traded, he would be willing to negotiate an extension with the team that acquired him. If that were to be the case, the Yankees should request a 72-hour window to get it done.
Yes, the Yankees already signed Paul Goldman to play first base. However, that is a one-year contract. Vladi has expressed a willingness to play third base. Now, he is unlikely to be another Graig Nettles over there, but he could be more than adequate. After a year, he could slide over to first base, if he and the Yankees felt that was the best move. Regardless, it is something that should be explored and I'm certain will be explored. Perhaps that's one reason why the Yankees haven't acquired anyone to play third base yet.
The Yankees have had a very good off-season so far. If they are able to solidify the bullpen, acquire Roki Sasaki, and bring in Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., they would go from having very good off-season to having one of the best off-seasons in the history of the team. I know to some people, that may seem far-fetched. However, the Yankees are definitely in on Roki Sasaki. As far as Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. goes, if the Blue Jays can't sign him, they would be better served to trade him now, rather than holding on to him.
Remember in 2009, when we all thought the Yankees were done with their acquisitions and then they brought in Mark Teixeira? This off-season could be a lot like that. Even if it isn't Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., if they acquire a very solid hitter to play third base, combined with all their other moves, it would more than make up for losing Juan Soto to the Mets.
Happy New Year, everyone!!!
Couldn’t disagree more… signing Walker and Scott would be way more expensive and cost the team 4 of their first few draft picks (picks our farm system needs to reload) plus $2 million in international draft money which all but rules out signing Sasaki.
I don’t believe the team will leave 3B to DJ, anymore than I believed they were going to hand over second base to an unproven player (without a single MLB at bat) like Durbin. Time will tell if they can yet pull off a trade for a third baseman like Pasquantino or Bohm or a second baseman (leaving Jazz at third).
While true that the Yanks must improve the infield defense, the all hit no field Sasquatch is head and shoulders above anything the used up DJL can give them. If the latter really is the opening day third sacker, it will wash away every ounce of goodwill Cashman has earned to date this offseason.
While more a feeling than a fact, the team should be a very realistic option for Sasaki. They are genuine perennial contenders. As noted, they have a state of the art pitcher development program. Japanese players have a strong record of success with them (Irabu and Igawa not withstanding).
Importantly, they have a strong enough rotation to allow them to add him to what would be…
the Yankees don't need another guy to play first base.
the Yankees don't need to trade Spencer Jones, Will Warren and Everson Pereira for a single season of a hitter.
they need to add one more infielder
they need to determine whether Jasson Dominguez and Cody Bellinger will serve to complete an awesome outfield
Not sure how they can go from offering $760mm to one guy, and then penny pinch a guy like Tim Hill who earned his pinstripes in the playoffs. Also, I'd steer far away from vlad jr. They need team players, not more "look at me " guys.
Way too much wishful thinking! I am tired of all the dreaming of getting one year out of Tucker or Guerrero. Get to work and trade for a solid third baseman or second baseman. As good as Soto was, the Yankees had too. many holes to fill and couldnt match the Dodgers. I am not down on Hal or Cash for getting out bid for Soto. I am down on them for not signing the best players to fill the holes in the lineup becuase they didnt want to lose draft picks or didnt want to commit years to a player because a superstar might become available at that position. Walker would have been a better signing for first baseman…