Oct. 17: The Yankees announced that Gregorius had the surgery today, which “went as expected.” No further timetable was given in the press release announcing the operation.
Oct. 12: Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius underwent an MRI yesterday that revealed a ligament tear in his right elbow, manager Aaron Boone revealed to reporters today (all Twitter links via The Athletic’s Marc Carig). He’ll require Tommy John surgery to repair the injury, and an exact timeline on his return is presently uncertain, though rehab for position players is shorter than it is for pitchers. Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News writes that Boone expressed a belief that Gregorius could return in time “to play the bulk of the season with us,” and she further tweets that GM Brian Cashman suggested a “summer” return for Gregorius is possible.
The injury is fairly jarring, as Gregorius wasn’t known to have previous elbow pain. However, Boone explained to reporters that Gregorius felt something in his elbow at Fenway Park when making a relay throw during the American League Division Series. Despite the obvious discomfort that followed, Gregorius gutted out the remainder of the series before undergoing an MRI after the conclusion of the Yankees’ season.
The uncertainty surrounding Gregorius will add a major wrinkle to the Yankees’ offseason. The team has already been linked to free agent Manny Machado dating back to last offseason, and the fact that Gregorius isn’t likely to be ready to open the season will only further fuel that connection. Adding a shortstop won’t be an imperative for the Yankees, who do have substantial depth with Gleyber Torres, Ronald Torreyes and Tyler Wade all on the roster. Nonetheless, they’ll surely at least explore their options — likely including everything from smaller-scale depth additions to an earnest pursuit of Machado, one of the highest-profile free agents in recent history.
The very fact that Boone has suggested Gregorius will return to the Yankees is of some note. He’s up for a relatively hefty arbitration raise after hitting .268/.335/.494 with a career-high 27 home runs for the Yanks this season; MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projects Gregorius to earn $12.4MM in 2019 — a sizable step up from this past season’s $8.25MM salary. Gregorius would be eligible for free agency upon completion of the 2019 season.
If the timeline for his return is lengthy enough, however, the Yankees would likely be forced to consider a non-tender of Gregorius. The final determination on his timetable, of course, won’t be made until after he undergoes surgery, but a salary north of $12MM would be a substantial price to pay for half a season, and Torres’ natural position is shortstop. Utilizing Torres at short in 2019 would open up an even wider slate of possibilities, as the second base market has ample supply that could vastly outstrip the demand at the position.
watson13
Man I guess the whole dead at 27 is a a actual thing
wkkortas
The Grim Reaper never lets you get to arbitration a third time.
joshua.barron1
They have to non-tender him right? $12mm just isn’t worth half a season of major league rehab
deweybelongsinthehall
Why can’t the sides agree on a one year deal that allows him to come back and showcase himself the last two months, assuming an August return?
TroyD
Agree, maybe even sign a two year contract. That said I would be fine letting him go and playing Torres at SS.
iverbure
Didn’t realize weed was legalizing in the state of New York too today.
Non tender him? Lol they will sign Machado just like every intelligent fan knew all along. Only makes more sense now that Didi will be out until the break.
Samuel
As any intelligent fan knows…..
When your SS is going to be out a half a season and is making $12 MM, you go out ans sign a guy that can’t carry his glove for 8-10 years at $30-40 MM per.
Perksy
Since he will be out half the year shouldn’t the arbitration figure be half?
Nom
how about this:
non-tender DD;
sign Corbin, FE
move Torres to SS;
sign Walker to 1-2 yr deal for 2B: (highly motivated, plays regularly at natural position; good switch-bat),
keep Andujar at 3B, work with him on his defense (Nettles was considered a weak glove when he first came up and he got much better with hard work);
here’s where it gets wild:
trade Stanton and Gray to SF for Baumgartner: Stanton goes home to CA to play right field and bat fourth every day … SFG gets a marquee RF and Bonds-esque slugger for the rebuild … NYY frees up $$$$$ and a roster spot for Corbin, Harper, etc … Gray goes back to Bay area where he thrived (pitches well anywhere but YS); would thrive against weaker NL lineups … SFG gets good SP and franchise RF for possible ace SP free agent to be … they absorb all of Stanton contract to balance the swap … NYY moves two quality pieces in their prime that would do better elsewhere ….
…. expect a good year out of Ellsbury if he plays (he’s wellllllll resssssted, motivated, should still have gas in the tank) … won’t be surprised if he is their top LF next year – possible comeback player of the year … they probably buy out Gardner because they count on Ellsbury to produce at least as well …
opening day lineup:
LF Ellsbury (or Harper if signed, swapping batting order slot with Hicks)
RF Judge
3B Andujar
CF Hicks
C Sanchez
SS Torres
1B Voit
2B Walker
DH Frazier / Bird platoon
SP Rotation
1 Severino
2 Corbin
3 Tanaka
4 Baumgartner
5 Sheffield
6 Montgomery available mid-season, if healthy and needed
Perksy
Stanton won’t approve the deal to SF. Remembrance in the off-season they had a deal in place and Stanton rejected it.
Perksy
Also would prefer not to run out the same lineup. Yanks need better hitters. Hitters that can hit with runners on base and not strike out all the time. It cant be all about sabermetrics. They’d be better off signing Murphy 1 year to play 2b. And looking elsewhere for 1b. Luke Voit is Shane Spencer. They need an upgrade there.
Samuel
The Yankees need at least 2 starting pitchers….
as well as a real ML manager and a productive pitching coach.
walls17
Motherf*****!!!!!!!!!
seanm
Y WE ARE GETTING MANNY
eileenyankees9
Walls,
My sentiments exactly!!
xabial
Ya realize TJ for pos players requires less time— ?
Boone said “real chance he plays the bulk of [2019] season with us.”
Cashman did not want to specify a timetable but suggested some time in the summer:
“Best to stay general,” Cashman said. “I don’t want to (specifically) say June, July, August.”
I’m thinking May. nypost.com/2018/10/12/didi-gregorius-needs-tommy-j…
dimitrios in la
Yeah, like I said below, I’m skeptical of all of that. Shortstop requires a lot of arm strength, especially for a guy who ventures into the hole as well as he does. Either way, it’s all bad news right now.
xabial
You might have a point there. Best aspect of Didi’s defense, is his arm strength; always right on the money.
If there’s a way to measure SS arm strength, might be top-5, dare I say, feels #1. (Know Simmons’ is best defender) Didi’s cannon arm, separates him from pack. Fun to watch on Def
Orangejedi23
Simmons fires 98 mph on the money. I’m a Yankees fan; Simmons has the best defensive arm in baseball.
dimitrios in la
He is terrific to watch on defense, and such an integral part of this Yankee team.
xabial
I know Simmons blows every other SS, out of the water, defensively, but if there’s one area thought Didi had a chance in, was cannon arm strength throws. Figured Simmons beats him every other area defensively. 98! Wow crazy, anyone got an accurate mph on Didi’s?
deweybelongsinthehall
Separates hin fro. the pack? Solid to very good player but overall not the “leader of the pack”.
Samuel
He’ll platoon at 1B and DH until his elbow/arm strengthens.
If the pitcher on the Angels can DH after TJ surgery, so can Didi.
In the meantime the Yankees are paying 3 other players that are better SS’s then Machado.
thegreatcerealfamine
“In the meantime the Yankees are paying 3 other players that are better SS’s then Machado” lol Who in the hell would those players be?
Samuel
Since you don’t watch the games, try reading the article.
walls17
Noooooooo
dimitrios in la
I did not see this coming. And “summer” via Cashman seems highly unlikely. Could be out for the year. Great player.
sameichel
Actually it is very likely since the recovery time for position players is 6-8 months
sameichel
Which is why shohei should be ready to hit by the beginning of May
dimitrios in la
Yeah, I’m not an expert on this but I’m skeptical. Throwing from the hole—as he does so well—will require a lot from the arm. Guess we shall see.
Cat Mando
Most throws by infielders come from a much lower arm slot. Much more stress on ligaments comes from throwing over top. The human body is not designed to throw that way.
hk27
I should think it depends on the position: It’s his throwing arm and arm strength is important part of his defensive game (and integral to playing SS). He could be out for longer than other pos players.
dimitrios in la
Hk yes, those are my thoughts as well.
IloveMACfootball
If they really thought he only had torn cartilage, they are a joke. If they lied about the injury, they should be punished. Either way, the yankee organization is a disgrace.
Yankeepride88
Please don’t comment again
downeysoft42
Of course the yankee guys says it
Old User Name
That’s right Yankeepride. The Yankees misjudged the return of Aaron Judge from injury so everything they have ever said or will say is a lie. Apparantly.
#Fantasygeekland
You have absolutely no clue what you are talking about
dimitrios in la
Rusty, I trust you’re just trolling, but in the event you’re not, perhaps you can back up your last statement.
Falsehope
Corey Seager sends his condolences
MB923
Nooooooo
morgannyy 2
Manny?
davidcoonce74
This does open the door to a Machado signing though…he’d get to play his preferred position and maybe Gregorius has to DH anyway when he returns.
BuxBombers
Agree that playing shortstop by mid summer will be tough. Tough to say now whether the Yankees would activate him to DH only, but with their depth it would be unlikely.
marcoL
We all knew something’s wrong w Didi after the crazing 1st half. Now they telling us what’s wrong.
Begamin
His only bad month was May. His 2nd half was just fine. I dont think he has been needing TJ for an entire half of the season. Probably that slide at home or something recent before the postseason.
seanm
SIGN MANNYUUUUU
realistnotsucker
Machado Corbin Harper in NY 2019
simschifan
How about Kershaw and Kimbrel? Hell just tell everyone if they want a contract just fill out the blank check right?
eileenyankees9
Real,
Sounds awesome, can you imagine, lol, but we need another quality starter, maybe Happ. I hope
kenneth cole
Either sign Manny or resign Walker and move Torres to short
eileenyankees9
Yes. I agree, and b4 we knew about DiDi, I wanted them to resign Walker anyway.
A very valuable infield piece when someone is hurt. but he has to play more often to show he is clutch. Just Saying
TroyD
I like this idea. Walker played pretty well when playing regularly and they need lefty bats.
KnicksFanCavsFan
There is zero need for Manny. You play Torres at SS, maybe keep Walker for 1 more year or sign Adeiny on a 1 year deal. Did in will be back in 2019. No need to sign a replacement at $300 mil.
jdgoat
The defense takes a big hit, but it also would with Machado anyways
Mattimeo09
Doesn’t take a hit if you replace Andujar at 3B w/ Machado when Gregorius come back.
Playing 3B might not be his first choice, but Yankees have the money to sway him.
saavedra
So you would put Andújar on the bench?
MetsYankeesRedSox
Trade him for pitching
getright11
Bet STL would be semi-interested to offer something for Andujar.
T-Bone22
How about Carlos Martinez and Jedd Gyorko vs Andujar and Sonny Gray. Then the Yankees sign Machado and the Cards sign Harper. What a nice 2019 world serie in perspective…
azelch99
Its gonna take a lot more then Andujar and Gray to get Cmart.
thegreatcerealfamine
OK the last thing the Yankees need is Martinez, and Harper isn’t gonna sign with the Cardinals.
southbeachbully
Torres should be a better than average SS and Walker can play 2b decently too. Not a huge drop off.
jdgoat
Torres isn’t a good defensive SS
xabial
knickscavsfan gets it; echo the same-exact sentiments!
jmi1950
As long as Cashman claims Verlanger on waivers and trades for G. Cole. Oh, my bad too late for those moves.
tharrie0820
Andujar and Torres on together on the left side of the infield….yikes that’s a scary thought
jmi1950
No problem ,with Gray pitching there won’t be any routine ground balls.
its_happening
Knicks – EXACTLY. Your last line drives the point home.
Asfan0780
Sonny Gray for Marcus semien, which team says no?
baseballhobo
Oakland says no.
Michael Chaney
Oakland doesn’t even get to answer before they laugh and hang up
koz16
I’m probably one of the few Yankee fans that does NOT want them to sign Machado. I hope they go another route.
To make matters worse (for Didi fans) he’s a free agent after next year. So instead of extending Didi this off season the Yankees might just sign Machado and let Didi walk next year. That would be terrible considering how much Gregorius has meant to this team.
southbeachbully
I really can’t see the Yanks signing Manny. He’s not needed. I think Harper (LF) and Corbin have to be their main targets. It address two glaring needs.
Old User Name
Left field isn’t a “glaring need”.
thegreatcerealfamine
Who’s gonna start there as of now?
southbeachbully
Of course it is. We had Gardner and McCutchen there last year and with DIdi gone then the only full-time LH is the switch hitting Hicks. LF is the only position, well other than SS now, where there’s an opening we can use to stick a LH bat in the lineup on a regular non-platoon basis. I’m not saying it’s TOP priority but it’s one we can make some moves. Would much rather see them sign Harper than Manny, and it’s not a knock on Manny just that we have a regular 3b in Andujar and I’d like to see them stick with him for 2019.
Old User Name
I’m still optimistic about Frazier. I can also see the Yankees declining Gardner’s option and signing him to a two year deal at a lower rate to back up left and center.
xabial
First Torres, now Didi. Yanks’ INF cursed? Watch 4 Andujar
Mattimeo09
Did the curse also force them to lose to Boston in 4?
jmi1950
No, not trading for G Cole did.
simschifan
If the Yankees do sign Machado which I’m sure they will, how ironic is it that he was traded for and possibly signed due to other teams shortstops needing tommy john?
xabial
Could be a blessing in disguise. Take advantage of this and sign him to a below-market extension. He loves NYY, and NYY loves him. Not giving up.
Vedder80
He is one year from FA, there will not be a below market extension.
JKB 2
Machado is not one year from FA. Its only weeks
thegreatcerealfamine
No, NY loves winning so whoever gives them that will be fine.
JKB 2
How is it an extension when he will be a free agent with no contract? What is below market for Machado?
xabial
My bad, JKB, should’ve clarified. This thread is about Didi getting TJ surgery; talking about Didi extension. Get a TJ “discount” so to speak.^^^
MetsYankeesRedSox
With the Yankees awash with money and Manny a free agent, of course they’re going to sign him. That was a done deal before Didi got hurt. Harper?? Nah! Yanks don’t need another outfielder. One or two big name pitchers and they’re good to go.
southbeachbully
Funny. They actually DO need Harper more than they do Manny. Yanks were a little light from the left side already and there is a need to improve our LF options. Considering that Gardner (may no longer be a starter), Didi (will miss a hunk of 2019), Bird (pretty much lost his job to the righty Voit) and Hicks were our main source of lefty hitting signing Harper to play LF makes a ton of sense. I’m sure Walker would love to comeback as the starter at 2b next year and we can slide Torres to SS. OR keep Torres at 2B and try to bring back Adeiny at SS. The lineup can sustain his weak bat batting 9th.
azelch99
They should move Torres over to short and call the Royals about Merrifield.
Much cheaper then Machado and they can spend there money on starting pitching, like Corbin.
thegreatcerealfamine
You got something there.
xabial
Machado lovers are going to use this as an excuse, to justify Yankees signing Machado. TJ timetable for pos. players is less than pitchers’. Didi likely plays 2019, and plays a better SS, than Manny ever will. They wont blow ~200M on Manny
Kenleyfornia74
200 million is getting Many cheap. Whoever gets him will have to pay close to a number that starts with 3
Yanks2
Trade Andujar for DeGrom or Syndegaard. Have Wade and Torreyes play second and put Torres at short stop until Gregorius returns. They don’t need Machado. They need pitching
Bruin1012
Andujar and what else for either of those pitchers raytown?
fourth_dimension
How about Carlos Martinez and Luke Weaver from the Cardinals for Andujar and their pick of top prospects?
Rocket32
Didn’t the Mets want Torres for either one?
rocky7
Wade can’t hit…..nothing more than a Utility guy…a throw in to balance out a trade.
The Mets wanted a whole lot more than just Andujar to make that trade, although I certainly think its worth exploring for sure.
its_happening
If the Yanks entertain the idea of dealing Andujar it means they should be all in for Machado.
thecrown24
Yanks are not Getting Degrom or Syndergaard for Andujar alone lol. I would trade Wheeler for Andujar 🙂
JKB 2
Do you really think you are getting deGrom or Syndergaard for Andujar? Dream on!!
MetsYankeesRedSox
I think we should all agree to rent out a banquet room for an evening and be forced to wear name tags with our MLBTR screen names. All invited…trolls included.
Be a pretty interesting evening.
Robertowannabe
“The team has already been linked to free agent Manny Machado dating back to last offseason”
Funny how every article that mentions an available player via trade or free agency always states that the Yanks are linked to that player……amazing…..
simschifan
Money talks
rocky7
Yeh, just like the same links every available player to the Red Sox, Dodgers, Phillies, and Houston.
Don’t single out just the Yankees….read a little and see if I’m right?
SupremeZeus
Expecting Didi to return from TJS at the end of next season and play at a similar level isn’t realistic. IMO, the NYY FO needs to operate on the expectation that 2019 is a lost year for Didi. If they get him back In a productive role for a few months, it’s gravy. Other than Machado, the SS market likely will not be that active. Target Jose Iglesias and lock down the spot defensively.
rocky7
DiDi’s bat and offensive importance in the Yankee lineup negates any move like Iglesias or any defense first shortstop.
I agree that you can’t count on anything for 2019 from the guy which will of course be countlessly debated here and on other sites.
Machado is now squarely in the Yankees radar, much to the chagrin of the Phillies….Dodgers will have to lock up Kershaw first as he is sure to opt out, making a signing like Machado a secondary move for them and probably one too late.
thegreatcerealfamine
^THIS^
its_happening
This what? Machado’s on the radar when the Yankees figure out DiDi is out for most of the season. At this point he is not. Until then, keep dreaming. More has to be done to have Machado in pinstripes.
Ken M.
Must’ve been from hoistig that MVP trophy in May.
its_happening
Yankees are not signing Manny Machado. More likely going after flex position guys like Asdrubal Cabrera or Marwin Gonzalez or a Jed Lowrie. Wouldn’t the Yankees want to make their big money splash on pitching?
MetsYankeesRedSox
They have the money to do it all.
rocky7
Big money splash on pitching…..like who? Kershaw most likely will opt out and re-sign with the Dodgers. Who else would you consider a #1 whose worth the money….we have enough 2,3’s and 4-5’s…..need a bonafide #1 and they are scarce.
We don’t need bums like Cabrera whose best days are well behind him……Gonzalez probably resigns with Houston and one of those tweeners…not worth a bidding war….and do you really want Jed Lowrie playing shortstop for the NY Yankees??????
Big teams make big splashes…..9 years since the last World Series and little Steinbrenner knows it….now that they’ve re-set the tax, they are all in on going for it next year on all cylinders!
thegreatcerealfamine
Minus a lot of salary coming off the books this year makes the room.
southbeachbully
Whether he can handle NY is a question but Patrick Corbin is likely to be their #1 target. They might also kick the tires on Hamels on a short-term deal too.
its_happening
Yes. Sign Machado and then DiDi returns in May. You do not have a plan to deal with Andujar and Torres. Congrats, you’ve got excellent production out of 3 positions with 4 guys.
More likely Voit takes a downturn. More likely an OF is needed. You want to make a big splash? Harper is your guy. Go get him and he can play alongside Stanton and Judge. Who plays CF? Doesn’t matter, you made your big splash because your team is BIG. Well done.
You need a band-aid solution for the first two months of the year. That is why I mentioned the “bums”. Neil Walker’s not good enough for you and you need someone that can play passable SS. Walker would fit right in with the guys I mentioned. Guess what? If Cashman kept Walker all this time, means he’s prone to gravitate toward the “bums” I mentioned. Following yet?
You still have a problem on the mound. That’s where you lost against Boston. Better pitching has your BIG team winning in 4 instead of losing in 4.
Machado solves nothing for the New York Yankees. You’d need to deal Andujar or Torres for a big arm for Machado to fit in the Yankee plans, and that ain’t happening right now.
Those cylinders don’t look stable.
bobtillman
….should have never gotten rid of Refsnyder……
Nats Town
Always liked him as a player. Not a superstar, but gets better every year.
iuo
Yankees already have an explosive offense. Just have to move Torres to Ss and when Didi comes back and his arm isn’t up to par just keep him at 2B for a while until it is. Yankees can sign at least 1-2 elite or quality starters/relievers to go with that lineup. The only way I see Machado coming to the Yankees is if he signs at a discount. The Yankees have all the leverage because they really don’t need Machado. But I could see Machado giving in a little if he really wants to play for the Yankees.
rocky7
Yes, its only money as Boston has proved and the Yankees certainly have a lot of it….enough to sign Machado and improve he pitching staff too.
If Torres moves over, who plays second……I don’t think you thought that out as DiDi isn’t a lock to be able to do anything in 2019….can’t give up that kind of offense that DiDi generated without replacing it…..Machado squarely on the Yankees radar as shortstop for 2019 at least.
iuo
As for 2B you just plug in Torreyes until Didi comes back and/or resign Walker at a bargain price. Yankees have options at 2B.
rocky7
Walker, while playing better ball in the second half batted .219
The Yankees, looking at 9 years since the last World Series won’t use a utility guy that may well bat .219 in their order.
Got to have a better solution than that.
slider32
Pitching is still the Yanks first priority, Cashman gets Corbin and Ryu and signs 2 relief pitchers, Robertson/Britton/Herrera/Miller. Right now, Harper, Murphy, and Machado are all good fits for the Yanks.
rocky7
I like your thinking!
Dutch Vander Linde
Let me put it in simple text, MACHADO IS NOT SIGNING WITH THE YANKEES!!
rocky7
And how do you know this with such surety….family friend, long lost brother…etc?
He”ll sign with whoever offers him the most money and allows him to max his personal brand….do you really think thats in Philly?
JKB 2
Batter up has no clue were Machado is signing
davidcoonce74
Pretty great article on Fangraphs today detailing how much money the yanks have to spend this offseason. They can easily afford one of the big two FAs and a solid starter like Corbin and probably have money left over.
to4
1.Ramirez 2B
2.Judge LF
3.Arenado 3B
4.Stanton DH
5.Harper RF
6.Andujar 1B
7.Hicks CF
8.Sanchez C
9.Torres SS
might be the perfect time to sign Machado. Also it might not be the best move , given that Ramirez is only 2 yrs away from FA and Arensdo is due to be a FA this off season. I could imagine singing Harper, then Arenado next yr, then Rsmirez the following. possible 2021 Yanks line up. I would love to see that happen……Also
Kershaw
Severino
as the starting duo.
thegreatcerealfamine
This is just comic book stuff.
southbeachbully
Dude….you just set the image of Yankee fans back about 10 years. Smh….
thegreatcerealfamine
Is he a Yankee fan though?
nymetsking
Hicks in CF? You have Trout on the bench?
Rocket32
I think you have been playing a bit too much MLB The Show with budgets off. That’s just unrealistic video game stuff. You really think a single team will sign Harper, Kershaw, Arenado, and Ramirez over the next few years? You realize how much money that would take? All those huge long term deals would cripple a team. How do you suggest the Yankees sign all those guys AND pay and retain their own guys down the road?
bravesfan
Big loss. Good thing their line up is stacked. Wouldn’t be shocked if they go all in for machado for sure now. This isn’t a big motivation, simply that push that might put them over the edge
agentx
Shades of Aaron Boone’s injury prompting NYY to acquire Alex Rodriguez. Few places other than NY where such an injury would so increase a team’s chance of acquiring Manny Machado-level talent (and expense).
jmi1950
Really?? That wasn’t a success. It resulted in 2.5 Billion $$$ wasted on teams that won only one WS and have not been back since.
rmullig2
I wouldn’t be surprised if they non-tender him assuming they can fill the hole. They aren’t going to hand out a massive contract to Machado after taking on Stanton’s contract. I think they would look to a trade to fill the hole.
They could non-tender Didi and move Torres over to shortstop. That creates a hole a second base but they could fill that any number of ways. I suggest a Sonny Gray for Dee Gordon swap. Gordon’s numbers were down but he is still solid with the glove. The Mariners free up some space and get a good rebound candidate in Gray for low money.
stansfield123
I think this could work to the Yanks benefit, because he is far more likely to sign long term this winter.
So forget Machado, and just give Didi an extension. Even on the high end (a seven year, $130M deal), he’d cost less than half as much as Machado, and there’s no significant difference in quality.
In the last two years:
– Machado put up 9.1 WAR in 318 games
– Didi, 7.9 WAR in 270 games
It’s not a “defensive metrics” thing, either. oWAR is 9.4 vs. 8.0 (again, Machado in significantly more games). Also, while it’s true that this is gonna be Didi’s third DL stint in three years, Machado has had serious injuries too, in the past.
So there’s absolutely no advantage to replacing Didi with Machado. Don’t do it, Yankees.
baseball365
Wait what? A seven year, $130M deal? That’s way high, man..Way high. Others were saying Segura type of contract something around 5-$70M. That would be possibly the worst business move in the history of sports to sign a $130M deal with a player going into a fairly significant surgery. Any surgery is too much when talking those dollars.
baseball365
I would like to know if there is a precedent for a “position” player as talented as Didi going into his contract/walk year, following one of his best seasons to have TJ surgery. I can’t think of one example. From the business side of things, it would be prudent for the Yanks to non-tender him. Almost $12.5-13M is quite a chunk of change for a player that may only give you two months of playing time, which is best case scenario and then no guarantee going forward.
Pretty much two options for the Yanks and Didi as I see it. Non-tender him or the Yanks give him a pillow/rehab contract of something like 3 years and $25M. It was already put out there by others the Yanks should explore an extension and they could still do that, just have to change all the parameters.
stansfield123
Lol. Three years, $25M, for one of the premier shortstops in the game? At age 27? Because of a surgery that’s pretty much automatic, and has a recovery time of six months in position players?
It’s gonna take $100M+. Only question is, how much does that + stand for.
baseball365
We obviously have very different ways of a running a business. I run three, so…
And if he really would command north of $100M right this moment. I pass and non-tender him.
stansfield123
I run seventy five businesses. I win the debate.
its_happening
That’s a lot of street walkers there…
inkstainedscribe
A trade built around Sonny Gray and Dansby Swanson (with other pieces, potentially)? Move Camargo back to SS, Riley to 3B.
stansfield123
If you had infinity money to spend (which, give or take a couple million, the Yankees do this winter), what would you prefer for your middle infield:
1. Swanson/Torres
2. Torres/Daniel Murphy (with Murphy moving to first base when Didi is back).
Just a reminder of Murphy’s line over the last three years: .326/.375/.542. That first one is the batting average.
citizen
Throw in Greg bird and a couple of more prospects and the braves will consider it. Will not take elsbursy contract.
billysbballz
Not gonna happen
Braves wouldn’t do it even though they want Gray. I can see getting a mid level pitching prospect maybe top 15 organizational prospect and maybe a fringe roster player (need a defense first lefty hitting catcher).
citizen
With Gregorios out, there go the 2018 yankee playoffs chances.
stansfield123
I do agree that there’s absolutely no chance the Yankees will play in the playoffs in 2018.
thegreatcerealfamine
This just makes the Hotstove that more interesting.
Vizquel13
I love these Yankee fans who think their team will just sign everybody regardless of cost. It is new day in mlb now that the luxury tax has real consequences and George no longer owns the teams. The Yankees will always be able to spend a lot of money, certainly more than most teams but the blank check days are over. They needs at least 2 starters and those are not cheap. Stanton gets $30 million for the next 6 years, Ellsbury has 2 years left at $22 million each , Judge and Sanchez start getting paid after next season and Sevirino the year after that. Hal is not his father, he isn’t going to drop 30-50 million a year on luxury tax payments.
Perksy
I think Stanton is 9 more years, no?
Slevin
“now that the luxury tax has real consequences” it’s always had real consequences. What would you know about Hal, and what he plans to do? I love it when fans of other teams criticize Yankee fans on anything, because it usually comes from envy. Who’s your team?
stevebaratta
Sonny Gray for Addison Russell. Both need a change of scenery.
Perksy
I think the Yanks would do that in a heartbeat.
Perksy
I could see them signing Machado and Murphy. Two bats that hit over .290 instead of feast or famine. Murphy can play 1b, 2b, 3b which makes his versatility very valuable since 1b is unknown, Torres might move to SS, and Andujar is questionable at 3b. Defensively that is.
Vizquel13
Yanks still need at least two starters, if they commit $25 – 30 million a year to Machado maybe they try some cheaper alternatives at starter. Corbin , Murphy and Machado would push the payroll dangerous close to the luxury tax threshold and Tanaka and Ellsbury don’t drop off till after 2020
Brixton
Who cares about the luxury tax at this point. They reset their punishments, so they can go like 3 years before it gets serious again
DarkSide830
*vague comment supporting Yankees*
*give me likes*
Ha, but really I’m ticked. No way the Yankees don’t get him if he wants to go there now.
DarkSide830
I just realized I didn’t mention I was referencing Manny originally.
bobtillman
Cometh the Machado to NY…..can’t wait to see him pull one of those funny slides on Pedroia…..say by-by Manny……
jdgoat
Whoever signs Machado is going to regret it very much I think.
bradthebluefish
I’d threaten to designate him unless he signs onto an extension. Even if its a 2-year extension for $25MM (or something like that).
Rbase
You would make a great general manager! I bet Didi would sign that contract immediately!
I get the sentiment, but that’s sadly not how it works. See Josh Donaldson, Greg Holland, Wilson Ramos…
bradthebluefish
Ramos signed a two year deal for similar money. Why not do the same but via an extension.
Rbase
True, but at that point he was already released by the Nationals, so no team was going to pay him for his first (rehab) year anyway. Coming off the season he had, he was probably going to get about $7 million in arbitration, so I’m pretty sure that he wouldn’t have taken his ($12 million) deal with the Nats if it was offered as an extension.
RedRooster
Didi says “Ok, go ahead.”
JKB 2
Haha and then bradthebluefish cuts Didi and gets nothing in return and is run out of NY
Begamin
you would designate one of the best SS’s in the game because he got injured and now you want him to sign for peanuts? genius play
TroyD
I cannot even believe they would comsoder tendering him a contract. And I like Didi.12 million is insane fpr 2 months.
JKB 2
Bradthebluefish … you have won the most ignorent comment award
JKB 2
@bradthebluefish
Then Didi says go ahead big mouth cut me. Then you don’t do it since you would not have the balls to do it.
Then Didi says my price to resign now doubled! Then what do you do genius? Your move smart guy.
TroyD
Bye Bye Didi. Hey I like him but he is not a $40 mil per year player.
billysbballz
No Manny for Yankees. Hard pass!
Stanton more and more looks like a better investment. Machado is a head case.
Here’s my off season plan:
1- Corbin (#2 starter)
2- Charlie Morton (#3 starter)
3- Kikuchi (Japanese lefty free agent #4 starter)
4-Daniel Murphy to replace Walker
5-Michael Brantley to platoon with Frazier in left-field
Followed by trading Sonny Gray and resigning Adeny Hecheverria, Drob, and Britton.
P.S. we need a great defense first back up catcher for Sanchez that preferably bats lefty such as an Alex Avila.
22222pete
Depends on long term plans. If they want to keep him beyond 2019 they use the injury to sign him to extension with him knowing NT is a possibilty
If they NT him some team will sign him to a Eovaldi deal paying him for 2019 and beyond so he will not be available to the Yankees in 2020
I think NT is only a real consideration of he is not expected to be ready for July. Thats 8 1/2 months away meaning he would have to be in rehab games after 7 1/2 months. Sounds pretty quick for a SS that relies on his gun for an arm
Rushing him back risks a 2nd TJS and puts the rest of Didi career at risk
I think August is more realistic but 12 million for 2 months makes no sense unless he commits to future years. Its possible Didi accepts 8-10 million knowing he wont play much but that seems unfair since he got hurt playing basically for free so the team could make a pile in the post season
jmi1950
NY will:
1. sign Manny 10 yrs > 350MM
2. say bye to Didi
3. sign CC — 1yr 10 MM
4. trade Gray for very little back
5. sign Corbin — 4yrs with a 5th yr option > 90 MM guaranteed.
6. Pass on Harper
7. continue to refuse to trade any top prospects unless and until it is obvious they can not compete with Bos/Hou /Cle/Oak with what they have.
thegreatcerealfamine
Crazy talk!
billysbballz
Says the child…..
thegreatcerealfamine
Thank God you’re not a Yankees fan!
billysbballz
And you are???
I think your perpetrating a fraud or a clown. A clown fraud? A cereal clown fraud!
Lmao
thegreatcerealfamine
You’re even more delusional than before. Be gone troll.
billysbballz
Who says no and why but no silly responses since this is an honest trade idea:
Sonny Gray, Austin Romine, Chance Adams, and Elsbury (44 mill) and Yanks eat 15 mill for Grienke (95.5 mill) and Alex Avila.
Yanks will never take Grienke entire contract. They give Arizona Gray and swap catchers. Yanks also trade a one time top prospect who slipped a but after surgery but had decent second half in aaa! Yanks also send 15 mill with Elsbury!
So Yanks pay 65 million of Grienke contract basically and Arizona saves themselves 65 million of Grienke contract by taking Elsbury.
Who says no first?
thegreatcerealfamine
Good God man just stop…
billysbballz
Why are you so dam angry bro?
You sit in here attacking everyone. I didn’t say one bad thing to you! Why are you so angry? Go find another thread to work out your aggression!
Old User Name
As the Yankees are most likely on his no trade list I would say Greinke says no first.
Old User Name
Nearly the whole proposal is bad.
Gray and Romine are FAs after next season. If Arizona is starting a rebuild, they will need prospects. They have no need to take on Ellsburys contract.
Greinke has anxiety issues and wouldn’t last a minute in NY.
thegreatcerealfamine
Joe, Everyone knows that except this guy of course.
rocky7
My head just exploded at these ridiculous comments.
thegreatcerealfamine
Sign Kershaw, Harper, Machado, and trade Aaron Boone got Ohtani.
thegreatcerealfamine
*for Ohtani. Yea forgot..Trade Stanton for Trout
billysbballz
You are honestly a tool
billysbballz
Your head just exploded?
Hahaha cmon already gtfu!
thegreatcerealfamine
Let Yankees fans who actually follow this team make proposals, because people on here will still whine.
billysbballz
See there’s always one ☝️. You sir are embarrassing all Yankee fans!
thegreatcerealfamine
If you were one like the regulars here you wouldn’t he ridiculed.
billysbballz
If I was a regular? Regular what?
Lol do you do anything????
Nom
how about this:
non-tender DD;
sign Corbin, FE
possibly sign Harper, FE (see below)
move Torres to SS;
sign Walker to 1-2 yr deal for 2B: (highly motivated, plays regularly at natural position after a full spring training; good switch-bat for lineup, good vet presence),
keep Andujar at 3B, work with him on his defense (Nettles was considered a weak glove when he first came up and he got much better with hard work);
here’s where it gets wild:
trade Stanton and Gray to SF for Baumgartner: Stanton goes home to CA to play right field and bat fourth every day … SFG gets a marquee RF and Bonds-esque slugger for the rebuild … NYY frees up $$$$$ and a roster spot for Corbin, Harper, etc … Gray goes back to Bay area where he thrived (pitches well anywhere but YS); would thrive against weaker NL lineups … SFG gets good SP and franchise RF for possible ace SP free agent to be … they absorb all of Stanton contract to balance the swap … NYY moves two quality pieces in their prime that would do better elsewhere ….
…. expect a good year out of Ellsbury if he plays (he’s wellllllll resssssted, motivated, should still have gas in the tank) … won’t be surprised if he is their top LF next year – possible comeback player of the year … they probably buy out Gardner because they count on Ellsbury to produce at least as well …
opening day lineup:
LF Ellsbury (or Harper if signed, swapping batting order slot with Hicks)
RF Judge
3B Andujar
CF Hicks
C Sanchez
SS Torres
1B Voit
2B Walker
DH Frazier / Bird platoon
SP Rotation
1 Severino
2 Corbin
3 Tanaka
4 Baumgartner
5 Sheffield
6 Montgomery available mid-season, if healthy and needed
This lineup and rotation competes with HOU – BOS now, is better suited for post-season that ’18 edition, leaves room for future promotions (Florial, Estrada, King, etc) and future big payouts (Judge, Torres, Andujar, etc long term deals) …
billysbballz
Not bad bro but I can’t see San Fran trading for Stanton and Stanton agreeing with the trade since it appears San Fran will he rebuilding. But well thought out.
billysbballz
Not bad but I really like the idea to bring in Murphy bat over Walker.
citizen
Your Yankees should just offer elsbury for bumgarner straight up.
billysbballz
Lol
billysbballz
You don’t follow the Yanks
Do you remember me cereal?
You were the one saying the Yanks were going to get Harper now you don’t want him?
Cmon cereal you flip flop like the little fish you are. You a real Yankee fan? You are a fraud!
Steven Chinwood
At least Cereal isn’t a moron.
billysbballz
Only one screen name allowed and if your not one in the same no need to defend someone as annoying as him and call anyone a moron?
citizen
There goes gregarious’s pitching career.
Vizquel13
It is hard to imagine anyone taking Stanton, yeah he has a great power bat but he is 29 and signed for 9 more years at 30 plus million a years. Will he stay healthy enough to play the outfield and will he continue to hit into his mid and 30’s? Any team that has him is faced with these questions since the money and years are guaranteed. The Yankees, being an AL team can always keep him at DH. I believe we have seen the end of big money contracts that run into a player’s late 30’s. The risk to the team is just too big
billysbballz
I agree
Phanatic 2022
He could turn out to be a bargain if boras gets his way.
TroyD
Compared with the contracts Harper and Machado will get Stanton is a bargain.
Phanatic 2022
Give Didi 6/80, Corbin 5 or 6 at 110/125 and stay away from Harper and manny. Also they should look into locking up judge, hicks, severano,Sanchez and Anjular are now to get more value. Judge might not go for it but the rest will. Offer kersaw 210/7
TroyD
Generally agree with this although probably not go that long on Didi. I think 2/20 ahould be good as you will only get a year and a half and who knows how he rebounds.
Corbin is the best bet for pitching. Bring back Robertson. 3/45?
Bring back Walker 1/4 to fill in until Didi returns.
Iwould at least look into CC and JA. 1 and 2 year deals. If not maybe Morton or Keuchel? A trade?
On Kerahaw, the only way he leaves LA is if he is hurt.