Yankees GM Brian Cashman suggested in an appearance on the YES Network that his organization is all but done with its offseason roster moves, as Jack Curry of YES reports (Twitter links). Though he’s still checking in on available free agents, Cashman says it’s 99.9 percent likely that there won’t be any significant new additions.
The long-time New York front office man also addressed the club’s reported pursuit of White Sox lefty Jose Quintana. Chicago’s asking price is simply too high, says Cashman, with Curry reporting that the rebuilding South Siders are seeking “at least 3 elite prospects” in return for the talented southpaw.
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To date, the Yankees have made two significant additions in lefty Aroldis Chapman and outfielder/DH Matt Holliday. But the club is set to rely on quite a few younger players as it continues an effort to transition to a somewhat leaner, more sustainable roster.
It’s certainly arguable that there’s work left to do. The rotation, especially, has quite a few questions and could obviously stand to be upgraded. And there’s some reason to think another bullpen lefty might be desirable. Unless something changes, though, it appears that the Yankees are more or less prepared to head into camp with the current mix of MLB talent available to them.
a1544
Sorry white sox fans
gooddumps
Pfft…..
Priggs89
Not really disappointed at all…
Dock_Elvis
I really didn’t see the Yankees as the most likely suitor, unless they were involved in a three way that involved Pittsburgh as well. Ill stay with Pittsburgh, Houston, and the ever present mystery team.
MB923
The Yankees are not the only team after Quintana. They can still get a good package from Pittsburgh and Houston.
HanksHammer
Oh ya, poor White Sox and their fans. They’ll have to put up with one of the best starters in baseball pitching for them while on one of the most team friendly contracts in baseball. Poor slobs.
sckoul
No need to be sorry. Sorry Yankees fans that your GM felt it was more important to keep non proven talent than trying to win now.
djdeb
So salty
yanks02026
What a waste. There’s still free agents pitchers that would be good pickups.
Kolukonu
I agree. I was hoping they would go sign Hammel after he opted out of his deal with the Cubs. Solid pitcher for No. 4 in the rotation.
baseballmanak
Hammel is a fly ball pitcher so that wouldn’t go well in Yankees Stadium… and also remember the Cubs defense is amazing, people rave about it, so his ERA was decreased because of that
mcdusty31
*are not welcome
AddisonStreet
He didnt opt out, the Cubs cut him loose.
pinkerton
he gets rave reviews on his Cubs defense? good to know.
mcdusty31
I’m reading that people are raving about the Cubs defense, even at C and OF
alexgordonbeckham
Wilson Contreras (still needs work) and (mostly) Kyle Schwarber? Yikes.
fatelfunnel
Wasnt this reported weeks ago?
tenman85
I’d like the Yankees to get another starter on a short-term deal, but in not really impressed with any of the free agents available. Cashman also said that he’s included some top prospects in trade proposals, but none of the deals worked out.
Goose
It doesn’t seem that Yankees fans have adjusted that George is dead and Hal and Hank only share his last name and not the passion for the game. They are trying harder to get under the luxury tax and build the team like they are a mid market team. The big test will be if Harper is playing like he can and hits the market. If they don’t open up the check book then they never will.
Once they get the payroll down are they ever going to spend to the threshold or try to make it a profitable team over the George ‘Win it all’ approach.
chesteraarthur
what they are doing is smart
koz16
Trading away their best prospects for Quintana or signing a mid to low end SP doesn’t make them a World Series contender this year or even next year, so there’s no sense going all in this season. Guys like Torres, Rutherford, and Frazier have the potential to anchor the lineup for a long time and I’m glad they are safe for now. As for the cap, they really need that reset to kick in if they even want to think about extending some high dollar contracts in a few years. But ultimately I think they pass on Harper and try to land Machado and / or Kershaw.
DanMizer
Amen, Quintana and or Hammels won’t do anything for the Yankees in 17 or even 18.
Sox and Indians are WORLDS BETTER than they are in the American League. They’ll be lucky to win more than 83 games this year
sckoul
Actually Quintana would do a lot for the Yankees and you’d have him under control for 4 more seasons. Smh yes keep the hitters, let’s see what the yanks do for pitching. Ummmm yanks can still make wild card and they could use Q. Smh
East Coast Bias
It seems it’s fans of other teams, not Yankees fans, that can’t adjust to the way Yankees now function.
We’re good.
costergaard2
Well said = )
DanMizer
I’m a diehard Yankee fan- and I really appreciate what Cashman and the organization are trying to do. Spending crazy isn’t the key anymore. Building up an organization and making smart investments around your core does it (cubs Sox for the most part)
I’ve seen 5 world championships in my lifetime – i can wait for another dynasty to come around.
Keep the path Cash
cxcx
So the Yankees don’t spend big, excessively, and recklessly since George died?
You know they signed a 30-year-old Jacoby Ellsbury to a $151m contract three years after George’s death, right?
tenman85
Such a bad contract. I think they wanted to make a splash after missing out on Cano.
costergaard2
They offered Cano’s exact contract 7-151 to Ellsbury as an eff-u to Cano right after he signed with SEA.
Adderlyn
They offered Cano 175/7 years.
Brixton
Tanaka, Chapman, Beltran, Ellsbury, Miller, Headley, Castro, Gardner, McCann, now Holiday, but ya know… they don’t really spend anymore lol
high_upside
Lol I agree. The Yankees were able to afford to anchor their previous winning cores with money and also add to those cores with money, but they also hit really special players and a special chemistry. The Dodgers on the other hand haven’t found a way to buy a dynasty that just wins and wins for 20 years despite forking out huge amounts of cash. Now the Yankees have kept spending big but people don’t notice it because it’s not quite as big as before and because they aren’t winning.
dailyrotohelp
Wait… just so you know Castro was in a trade and didn’t pay a dime. Holliday is one of the most team-friendly deals for a 1 year deal. Gardner is 4/52 which = 13/year was not bad for a leadoff hitter but hasn’t lived up to it yet. Miller was 4/$36 and he has earned every bit of that. Yes the Ellsbury/McCann/Headley contracts were bad.. but don’t lump everyone when you don’t know every single person that has signed or been traded.
Adderlyn
They’re paying the reminder of Starlin’s contract
cxcx
No one said Castro was signed rather than traded for..they took on a large salary obligation for him.
No one was arguing those are all bad contracts, just that they are significant contracts.. You totally missed what everyone talking about..
ctbronx7
The ill advised Ellsbury contract is a franchise crusher. With four years of decline remaining, he is ordinary on defense and contributes little (.260) on offense. The commitment to him means at least two top outfield prospects will have to be traded off before his deal ends.
billysbballz
Why would two top prospects be traded off. They would cut bait on Elsbury and give his spot to young cost effective prospects first. If anything it hurts Yanks ability more to bid on veteran free agents to fill gaps then effecting prospects. Silly comment.
User 4245925809
Rules of the game, as far as how FA and penalties apply, salary caps (strict) revenues and sharing of all aspects are 100% different than when georgie was at the top of his game.
Bald Vinny
These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.
East Coast Bias
This makes me very happy.
babyk79
I’d say they are doing the right thing…..BUT the whole Chapman signing runs so contradictory to the main plan, still doesn’t make sense to me. What they should be doing is looking for the next Chapman (as in their value trade for him) or the next Rich Hill etc. Give that player playing time and see if you can flip him down the line, that way when the core is ready you can go get a Chapman to win a world Series, or a Ben Zobrist/Johnny Cueto if you prefer the 2015 version.
MB923
If he’s fortunate to have a bounce back year, perhaps they can trade Matt Holliday at the deadline. Though he would have to be like Beltran was last year for the Yanks. Could also get a big return for Betances if they traded him.
As far as Chapman goes, they’re obviously hoping he’s the same Chapman in about 2-3 years when they Should be a contending team again.
DrCrawdad2009
I agree they may trade Holliday at the deadline. Won’t be surprised if Clippard, Pineda, Sabathia, and Tanaka go too.
koz16
For me it makes sense. You need 8 or 9 solid innings each night from your pitchers. It doesn’t matter if those quality innings come from starters or relievers. The Yanks knew they wouldn’t be able to land a high end SP without gutting a big part of their farm system so they added a quality arm on the back end. It cost them some big bucks, but closer salaries are trending upwards anyway. If they trade him in a year or two his contract will probably be perceived as a better value than it is today.
dobsonel
I agree with most of what you say… however they gave Chapman a no trade clause for the first 3 seasons so they will have to wait on any trade.
dobsonel
It does fit right in with the master plan. They are playing for 2019, 20, and 21. Chapman is arguably the best reliever in the game and stands to still be top 5 by the end of the contract.
Matt Galvin
Dump Headley,Gardner and so on Vereran to.
mike156
The Yankees should continue down the road of getting younger and more athletic. Cashman is building a roster for this year that’s maybe .500. If they get lucky, maybe 85-87 wins and the last playoff spot. If not, keep selling and rebuilding. Yankees fans are generally happy with this approach,
mookiessnarl
Doesn’t really make sense to sign Chapman then. If you’re not going to put together a competitive team then why sign a high priced closer?
Knuckleball Lady
been saying that same thing. the starting rotation can’t be counted on
Dmalsch22
Because the Yankees are a complete wild card(not the playoff wild card) no one knows how they will play. They could finish last in the east or be the best team in the AL and for anyone who says other wise must have a crystal ball. The rotation has all the potential in the world but underachieve
If Pineda pitches to his talent, Tanaka had another good year, cc pitches well and the last two spots give them innings. Everyone saw that the team came alive at the end of the year most likely because we had players under 30 that we’re excited to get out there everyday. The offense can be really good or average and so can the Yankees
Dmalsch22
And a shut down bullpen only helps
mookiessnarl
They’re really not though. They’re in the midst of at least a partial rebuild. They have made no improvements to a team that finished the year 84-78 and in 4th place. The bullpen is the same as it was at the beginning of last season less Andrew Miller. Their rotation is incredibly suspect. They have a ton of unproven youth. They may have been able to make the season interesting if they signed or traded for a couple of starters.
mike156
I generally agree that Chapman wasn’t needed if the team is treading water. What I think Cashman was trying to accomplish was to have Chapman as part of a competitiveness approach. Making the playoffs matters for the Yankees. If they slip in with 86 wins, and Chapman is a key part of that, then all they spent was money, and the Yankees have money.
cxcx
Who is saying they aren’t putting together a competitive team? Not a juggernaut, sure. But no one would be surprised if they made the playoffs, which I think is the definition of a competitive team.
billysbballz
Because they closer is young, he is a lefty, and he’s signed for five years so he will grow with the team. He is also a phenomenal athlete so he should age well.
reflect
Bring back a-rod.
bearup
Just like their top prospects, the Yankees swing and miss. Goodbye relevance, hello mediocrity.
woodie706
Why not trade Judge, Mateo, and Fowler and maybe a low class A pitcher for Quintana? Then sign Bautista to a 1 year deal? Give Frazier time?
aff10
Doubt Chicago bites on that. Judge and Mateo both have serious red flags, and Fowler’s more of a low-ceiling guy. It’s not bad from a quantity perspective, but I imagine the White Sox could pull a better headliner than Mateo
aff10
As for signing Bautista, I’m in compete agreement. If he truly settles for a one-year deal (I’m still a bit skeptical), he makes a ton of sense for the Yankees IMO. He’s admittedly flawed at this point (primarily defensively), but he’s likely 35-40% better as a hitter than Judge or Hicks next year
kiwimlbfan
No, no, no. Not even if Bautista paid the Yankees to play for them
jdgoat
Well that’s just idiotic then
slider32
Chicago may out smart themselves if Quintana starts out slow this year, his value is at it’s highest right now. Hahn needs to trade him for the best package soon, I’m thinking he could get into a bidding war with the Astros and Rangers and take the best deal.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
slider32, that’s true, but by that logic, his value could build if he has a hot start. Over his career, though, he’s been very consistent. I don’t see a huge lapse coming, and it would have to be huge for people to dismiss all the value he’s built over the last few years in Chicago.
billysbballz
Fowler is low ceiling?
Yes judge has red flag with a hole in swing and Mateo had the attitude thing but what prospect doesn’t?
Quintana is not worth that haul because he doesn’t change the fact that the Red Sox and Indians are much better right now. In three years maybe that changes but then Q is older and has one year left on contract.
If anyone has a red flag it’s Q as he failed a steroid test!
aff10
Fowler’s an ok prospect, but he doesn’t have a huge tool, and his plate discipline and power are unspectacular. I do think he stands a chance to become a perennially average player (which is useful, no doubt), but not a high-ceiling guy.
I’m also not saying I’d part with Torres/Frazier if I were NY (although I disagree with your previous statements that he’s not a top-flight guy), but the other prospect package lacks a true headliner. As for the steroid test, it’s a fair point, but it’s far enough in the rear view mirror to be a true red flag for me. Not a White Sox or Yankee fan FWIW, just my take
mcdusty31
He doesn’t have a huge tool?
Priggs89
The Sox would be much better off holding onto Quintana for the time being if that’s the best offer they receive.
slider32
Cashman will change his mind if the Yanks can move Gardner. They want to see what the young pitchers can do this year, like Severino, Green, Cessa, Mitchell, and Adams. If one of them makes a spot in the rotation and the Yanks are in the mix at the deadline then Cashman will add to the roster. After this year they will have cleared another 100 million in salary and then all systems are go for them.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
As a White Sox fan, I’m honestly relieved. Torres aside, I didn’t want anyone in the Yankees’ system and Torres plays SS, so either he or Tim Anderson would have to move. I like what the Pirates have to offer much better.
ctguy
As a Yankees fan I am very relieved. They need to keep Torres, Frazier, etc. give them the opportunity in the majors. They would be foolish to trade them for Quintana. Let the Pirates do it instead.
swartnp7
What would the Yanks want from the Pirates for Michael Pineda? I can’t imagine his price would be the same as Quintana. And a rotation of Cole, Taillon, Pineda, Nova, Khul/Glasnow would be alright. Especially getting Pineda out of HomerTown that is NYC and into Camp Searage.
DrCrawdad2009
Makes sense to me
ronnsnow
Josh Harrison?
steelerbravenation
Damn I want Headley !!!!
wiggysf
That’s sarcasm, right?
lesterdnightfly
“That’s HEADLEY Lamarr !”
hyraxwithaflamethrower
Agreed, but I’m still hoping they can convince Pittsburgh to part with Bell and either Glasnow or Meadows.
ronnsnow
There’s no way the Pirates trade both Bell and Meadows, and honestly I don’t think they’ll trade either of them at all. Glasnow for sure though.
slider32
The Pirates are in a tricky transition period, they need more pitching and they know they only have Cutch for 2 more years.and Cole was sub par last year. I think the Pirates and the Nats were the right fit for Cutch, but it didn’t happen. Now they are both in a bind, the Pirates could have had more pitching and the Nats gave up too much for Eaton on the rebound.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
I would doubt the Sox do a deal without getting two of those guys. There wouldn’t be much else involved, but the Sox seem dead set on getting 2 elite prospects. A lot of people have mentioned Keller, but he was only #72 overall last year. Did he shoot way up the rankings?
greg 14
The best thing the White Sox have done in the past 10 years was to sign Sale, Eaton and Quintana to long term deals – which turned out to be great for the team. No one knew that at the time, or the players obviously would have turned them down. No reason the White Sox shouldn’t hold out for the best deal possible. Two or three elite prospects for 4 years of a #2 SP with a really undermarket contract – why not? And if they don’t get it now, wait until July.
pedemangonz
The Yankees don’t have anything that the can compare with what the Pirates or Astros have. One of these days the Sox will get Glasnow and Meadows form the Pirates or Tucker and Whitley from the Astros. But don’t despair the Yankees still got a head case and a 36 year old DH this winter.
richg888
Instead of Quintana or Hammels, I wish the Yanks would have pursued Danny Duffy.
A lefty, seasonal age will be 28, 9.4 K’s per 9, likely cheaper talent wise for them to acquire him.
Downside is that he will be a free-agent after this season, but could be dangled by the Yanks at mid-season for more young talent.
cj1020
People talk if the Yankees spend money. And if they don’t spend money.
soxfanjose
99.9% so your saying theres a chance! lol. Listen whitesox will hold out till trade deadline. Cashman will call back if injuries happen or hammel goes somewhere else. which rumor has it he is coming to southside and thats fine. Then sox have yankees and any other team by the balls. Dont care for houstons prospects unless breggman and tucker is in deal we need bats!yankees do have the best prospects and no yankees can keep mateo and judge. its frazier, torress, and rutherford. no ands ifs or buts about it. Good for whitesox. julys trade deadline will get desperate teams bidding on his sevices. Ohh btw as for those mystery teams, rockies , dodgers, and bluejays have interest. Now that the dodgers have lost out on dozier, they might call about brett lawrie and quintana in a major package. Just saying! Yankees wouldnt be the yankees without making amajor splash!