Brian Cashman Discusses Yankees’ Trade Deadline Plans

Yankees GM Brian Cashman says that the organization is not yet ready to decide whether or not it will sell off veteran assets, as Kevin Kernan of the New York Post reports in a series of tweets. Noting that there’s no rush with over a month to go before the deadline, Cashman also suggested that the Yanks could be both “buyers and sellers.”

What’s lacking at this stage, of course, is clarity about just how capable the team is of competing. That’s not only a question of looking at the roster on paper, but also of assessing the standings and the opportunities on the market. Certainly, a big-market club like this one can probably afford to be conservative in reaching a decision whether to give up on a season.

Despite the team’s win-always mantra, Cashman says that he would not hesitate to recommend a sell off of some kind if circumstances warrant it. The long-time general manager says that he’s “a brutally honest person,” but that the information is not yet there to reach such a decision.

New York has found itself the subject of much trade speculation, most of it centering around its triumvirate of bullpen aces. Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller, and Dellin Betances all would carry enormous appeal were they made available. There’s little doubt they’d shoot up MLBTR’s list of the top trade candidates if and when any or all are marketed. Another subject of discussion is veteran outfielder Carlos Beltran, who is 39 years old but is cruising along with a .283/.316/.567 slash line.

The idea of both buying and selling is a popular one among observers, but it’s somewhat interesting to hear the concept emanate from a front office. We’ve seen teams pursue lateral moves at times, though, and it’s not difficult to imagine the Yankees angling for a starter or perhaps a position player with control in a deal involving one of their quality veteran pieces.