On Thursday night the New York Yankees continued to show that they’re dedicated to reducing payroll while getting younger in the process. Thursday night saw the Yankees trade veteran catcher Brian McCann to the Houston Astros for two pitching prospects. After Gary Sanchez took the Yankees and baseball world by storm as a rookie, it signaled the beginning of the end for McCann behind the plate, and in pinstripes. Meaning McCann would’ve been an extremely expensive backup, as well as a DH. The Yankees trading the left-handed power hitter made the most sense.
New York Yankees Trade Rumors Heating Up
Now that McCann is no longer a member of the roster, the Yankees now have to find someone to fill the DH spot in the batting order. According to Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports, the Yankees could try and bring back Carlos Beltran (free-agent) or they could try and sign former Toronto Blue Jays power-hitter, Edwin Encarnacion (free-agent). A couple of other free agents who’ve been mentioned in reports include – Matt Holliday and Mike Napoli.
Major League Baseball has already seen a flurry of trades and signings by general managers across the league, and it’s not even winter yet. It appears that the Yankees aren’t done, but just getting started. Recently, the Yankees have been the subject of numerous trade rumors involving their third baseman Chase Headley and 2016 AL Gold Glove winner Brett Gardner.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has reported that there’s significant interest in the Yankees 33-year-old veteran lefty. There appears to be interest in a left-handed lead-off hitter who also showcases excellent defensive skills. Gardner is owed $24 million over the next two seasons with a $2 million buyout option for 2019. Given the fact that Gardner is beginning to get up there in age, there’s a chance any trade that the Yankees might work out will require them to pay for part or even half of the remaining contract in order to part ways with Gardner.
For the 2016 season, the Yankees left fielder slashed .261/.351/.362 with 22 doubles, 16 stolen bases and 80 runs scored while spending most of his time in the lead-off spot.
In 2015, the Yankees signed third baseman Headley to a four-year, $52 million contract, which leaves roughly $26 million left on his contract over for the next two years. Headley in 2016 slashed .251/.329/.383 with 18 doubles, 14 home runs and 51 runs batted in while scoring only 58 runs.
Open to Anything
Yankees GM Brian Cashman has said on numerous occasions this off-season that he’s “open to anything” if it happens to come their way via the trade market. Especially if it involves their trusted lead-off hitter or anyone on the Yankees roster for that matter. But the price of doing business with the Yankees will certainly involve a package of prospects in return for any of their veterans.
One of the possible landing spots for Gardner include the Astros who just acquired Brian McCann from the Yankees. Houston has been on the lookout for lefty bats to add to their heavy right-handed lineup. They would like to try and balance out their lineup with proven veteran bats who can also help fill out their payroll for 2017 and beyond.
If the Yankees are successful in trading Gardner, then their outfield in 2017 would look something like this – Aaron Hicks in left, Jacoby Ellsbury in center, and Aaron Judge in right. In 2016, both Judge and Hicks had their offensive struggles, and the corner outfield positions are where the majority of the teams get the bulk of their production. It’ll be interesting to see what direction the Yankees decide to go in.
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