The Yankees announced Thursday that they’ve declined their $20MM option on first baseman/designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion. He’ll instead be paid a hefty $5MM buyout and enter the free-agent market.
This has long been viewed as the likeliest outcome; while the size of the buyout at least created a plausible scenario where the Yankees could deem a net $15MM decision worthwhile, doing so would’ve meant tacking on a $20MM luxury tax hit from day one of the offseason. The Yankees would’ve also been paying Encarnacion at an extremely premium rate, as that $20MM salary and net $15MM decision both would’ve topped the $14.3MM guarantee that Nelson Cruz secured in free agency a year ago.
Encarnacion, 37 in January, showed minimal signs of slowing down at the plate in 2019. While he did miss time owing to a wrist fracture and an oblique issue, he turned in a strong .244/.344/.531 batting line with 34 home runs and 18 doubles in just 486 plate appearances. The veteran slugger also slightly pared back his strikeout rate (22.8 percent in 2018, 21.2 percent in 2019) while enjoying a modest uptick in walk rate (10.9 percent in ’18, 11.9 percent in ’19). Pedestrian batting average aside, Encarnacion’s knack for getting on base and his enormous power made his 2019 offensive contributions about 30 percent better than that of a league-average hitter by measure of OPS+ (132) and wRC+ (129).
Even as he’s progressed into his late 30s, Encarnacion has been a consistent middle-of-the-order force. However, the lack of win-now teams with a clear DH opening around the league do somewhat cloud his market. The Astros (Yordan Alvarez), Angels (Shohei Ohtani/Albert Pujols), Athletics (Khris Davis), Twins (Nelson Cruz) and Red Sox (J.D. Martinez) all have their DH spots largely set. Encarnacion could technically fit with the Indians, but they’re unlikely to spend at a high level — particularly not on a DH when they already acquired Franmil Reyes back in July.
The White Sox and Rays stand out as a pair of hopeful contenders who could find DH work for Encarnacion, and a lower-cost deal with the Yankees shouldn’t be expressly ruled out. If Encarnacion is open to signing with a rebuilding team, perhaps a Blue Jays reunion would make some sense. Alternatively, if a team views him as a viable option at first base over the course of a full season, some NL clubs and perhaps an AL club or two (e.g. Twins) would factor into his market.
Even with Encarnacion off the books in the Bronx, the Yankees still have a hefty $204MM committed to next year’s payroll (including projected arbitration salaries and that $5MM buyout). As currently constructed, the Yankees are already projected to be over the luxury tax line. With Encarnacion back on the market, they’ll now likely look to a combination of Luke Voit, Greg Bird and Mike Ford at first base, with the others joining Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in a rotation through the DH spot,
White Sox if they miss out on J.D Martinez or returns to the Blue Jays
Maybe the As?
Oakland has a DH and are not likely to spend a lot of money while being forced to play Khris Davis in the outfield.
Would only appeal to the Blue Jays as a hope for a trade mid-season. They have Tellez and aren’t going to want to spend much on a 37 year old
I agree with you. I think if the Jays were looking for those final pieces to the puzzle they might be interested but right now a dh is not a priority. I suggest resign Smoak and platoon him and Tellez at 1st with the other one hitting DH. Smoak would be cheaper, he’s good at 1st and does have some pop, and it gives Tellez another year to develop.
Wouldn’t the Sox be better served spending this kind of money on a starting pitcher?
He’s not going to sign for $20MM. Probably $10-$15MM.
Think CWS sign Encarnacion and Moustakas and trade for Greinke move Moncada to rf…. better fit than JD Martinez and shorter term leaves room for Vaughn at 1rst 2021
Maybe Red Sox for DH once JD opts out
I don’t think JDM will opt out, but we’ll see.
Boras has hinted JDM is gone. JDM has said he will follow advice of agent.
Then he’s a fool. How he thinks he’ll get a raise when he’s older, less healthy, and less godly, and the market that needs and can afford him is like two teams, is beyond me. Pure idiocy.
@Mo4ever
Hey may have dropped from a 1.031 OPS to a mere .938 OPS but he’s still an elite level hitter and he still appeared in about 150 games for the 2nd year in a row and is “only” turning 32 in Aug 2020. Still well worth a 3 to 4 year deal.
My take is that he’s not in love with Boston and wouldn’t mind picking up and additional $10 mil or more elsewhere. Not saying he hates Boston but simply isn’t attached to the city.
None of what you say justifies a raise, simply assumes one. For what? That’s my point. He doesn’t deserve a raise and in this market he won’t get one.
CWS and Texas are the only bidders really and Encarnacion could do for less and 1 year makes more sense.
Why do people think JD will opt out?
With the parrot in the market, JDM will face heavy competition in the FA market. JDM is staying put which is fine as Bosox will have less flexibility to get under the cap.
On the other hand, with the Yankees declining Edwin Encarnacion’s option, it also makes J.D. Martinez a more viable replacement to DH in the Bronx. That would be a huge nightmare scenario for the Red Sox to contemplate beginning on Halloween today with the Yanks option decision involving EE and the pending one for JDM in the next 5 days.
Highly doubt the Yankees would consider signing JDM
@AaronSapoznik
With Stanton, Voit, Andujar, Frazier, Ford and Sanchez all being in the mix for 2020, I doubt the Yanks will want to bring in any outside options, especially one who wants a multi-year deal at $20 mil or better aav.
Yanks are already up against or over the lux tax and shouldn’t want to go over it unless it’s for a pitcher like Cole or Strasburg.
Congrats to the Nationals for winning the chip and to the Astros for making it a great 7 game battle.
That would’ve been possible if they didn’t trade for Stanton 2 years ago. Doubt they can add more a big salary when they have to offer a QO to Didi and huge raises for Judge and Sanchez.
The Yankees would love to stick a fork in the rival Red Sox. What better way than to sign one of their best hitters as a free agent. Edwin Encarnacion is now off the roster and the Yankees could certainly make room for JD Martinez. Any one those other DH options could become trade bait for pitching.
It’s not like the Yankees haven’t gone into spring camp or opening day with an excess at a position or two. The Yankees had an abundance of infield options last offseason even with Didi Gregorius out until mid-summer but still signed free agents DJ LeMahieu and Troy Tulowitzki. Even with Miguel Andujar on the shelf and the retirement of Tulowitzki, the Yankees still finished the 2019 season by mixing and matching Gleyber Torres, Gio Urshela, LeMahieu and Gregorius between 2B, SS and 3B.
Let it go. Not happening.
The Yankees already have a bunch of eventual DH’s on their roster in Stanton, Sanchez, Andujar, and Frazier. They would have no room for J.D, Besides they need starting pitching for 2020 or they will be disappointed again come playoff time.
HockeyJohn is spot-on.
Not to mention Castellanos is a guy who could be viewed as a guy better suited for a DH role.
With Stanton, Yanks don’t need a DH. Yanks will use him and then use leftover ABs to spell other position players from time to time. If they needed a DH they could’ve kept Encarnacion. He did pretty well for them.
Yanks have 60 million to spend this off season and 100 million in 2021, they will be the highest bidder on either Cole or Strasburg. The question is do they want to come to the Yanks. They lost CC this year, and will lose both Tanaka, Paxton, and Happ next year.
Stanton is the primary DH already. And there are several other part-time DH’s. I don’t see Cashman spending $21MM plus for JDM. (Then again I did not see him dealing for Stanton, either.) They need pitching. If his market falls several million shy of $21MM, then maybe the wheels might start turning in Cashman’s head. The problem is that Hal and Cashman don’t want to increase the payroll much if at all and they need a frontline pitcher and another strong bullpen arm, and possibly someone to replace Chapman… i.e., they’re swamped with other agenda items.
Dumb, ineffective way to stick a fork in the RS. Hal and Cash are clear they don’t want to be spending more money and if they do they need a frontline rotation piece and another strong bullpen arm. The have bats galore.
The Yankees might look to bring back EE on a lower cost deal if possible. I’m sure they’ll be in on Cole. Cashman’s always had a man-crush on him (for good reason) but if I were calling the shots, my fallback wouldn’t be Strasburg. It would be Wheeler.
I think Wheeler’s a dude who’s going to put it together once he’s out of the circus in Queens. Great peripherals, and in terms of raw stuff, maybe even/better than Stras at this point.
It worked out well when they signed Ellsbury. Yankees really showed them.
Yeah I agree. That means Stanton would be in the OF all the time which isn’t good.
They dont have to offer a QO to Didi. Because he just might accept it. Especially with the way FA’s sit around. Rather move Gleyber to SS and DJ to 2B. Put the money towards the big pitcher. The interesting thing will be if Chapman opts out.
They have 5 closers. I don’t think they need to replace Chapman. They can probably resign Betances on the cheap with an option year based on incentives. Id like to see them get the big pitcher, but also a real 1b.
So cute Melchie. Your opinion is so insightful. Time to move over to NHL trade rumors so that someone can check you into the boards.
Because his agent is Boras and I’m sure he thinks he can outdo his 62.5M over the next 3 years
@mcmillankmm
I think if he opts out then Boras likely has a team lined up already. I don’t think 3/$25 mil or even 4/$80 mil is an absurd contract for him to get. That beats his remaining 3/$63 mil. Dude is still an elite hitter and while he didn’t have as good of a 2019 as he did in 2018 he still posted a .900 + OPS.
Ironically, his road OPS (.978) is higher than his home OPS (.898).
If it’s 3/25, then yanks should pounce.
Then you think he’s worth more than his RS deal when he’s two years older, less healthy, and less godly, even in a market of like two teams that need his skills and can afford them. That’s some special kind of thinking.
Less healthy? There’s no evidence of that.
His back is bothering him now. It wasn’t before. Keep up.
@Mo4ever
You keep on harking on age and health like age 32 is a time bomb for a player who seldom takes the field. There were 8 teams that had a .OPS above .817 from their DH spot. Someone might be willing to pony up.
I was rebuked on the idea earlier , and maybe they were right, but I think Toronto would be a perfect sport for him. He would be an excellent mentor to Biggio, Vlad Jr and Bichette and other young hitters. His professional approach and oft mentioned preparation would could really help them along.
I keep harping that the imaginary team you’re talking about would be paying more for less. And there are like two teams that would even consider that and be able to afford that for him. That’s what I’m harping on. No one’s giving JDM 4/$80MM which well over 20% of the folks on this site think. If he’s dumb enough to opt out, he’ll be lucky to match his current salary.
Not many who want a 32 yr old dh for 4 years or more.
As a Red Sox fan from and living in Toronto, no thanks. I’ve seen enough of Edwing. I don’t want him calling Fenway Park home.
I’m shocked.
I doubt they’ll be a huge market for his services. Until the National League adopts the DH, teams have plenty of DH options available and few teams will come up with the money to pay for them.
Why would you be shocked when a team overloaded with DH options does this?
Shocked in a way that Claude Rains was shocked that gambling was going on at Rick’s Café.
If you are not sure what that means, I feel a little sad.
“If you are not sure what that means, I feel a little sad.” Rather really, really old.
It’s one of the all time classic movies. I would feel sad that anyone would not know such art.
Every adult should experience the joy of Casablanca.
shocked? dont think retaining him is worth 15 million more with the DH types they have.
Sometimes I forget these boards don’t express sarcasm very well. But I would think my subsequent comments would have spelled that out.
I was wrong.
Mac-I understood what you meant,and appreciate it.
You were only partially wrong.
Play it again Mac.
Rays could be an option.
This makes too much sense
I doubt they will spend the money. Then again could go the twins route Encarnacion could go the Cruz route and they might both stretch to a deal at $12-14MM.
Easy decision. Yanks are loaded with guys suited for DH. $ needs to be put towards acquiring a good starting pitcher. I’m also hoping Chapman opts out and the Yankees let him walk.
I to wouldn’t lose any sleep if Chapman walked. Don’t blow this off-season Cashman.
If Aroldis Chapman opt-out and the Yankees don’t pursue him in free agency that opens up a potentially interesting scenario for the White Sox. Chicago will be in the market for lefty reliever this offseason and potentially a closer as well if they non-tender or trade Alex Colome who is in his final year of arbitration eligibility in 2020.
The White Sox also have a black-hole in RF with speculation involving free agent Yasiel Puig gaining traction on the southside of Chicago. Jose Abreu is also a pending FA who is expected to return to the White Sox next season.
It’s conceivable the White Sox could sign all 3 of these Cuban nationals this offseason. They would be added to a mix that will already include two 5-tool Cuban studs in 3B Yoan Moncada and top prospect CF Luis Robert who will make his MLB debut early next season. All of this still won’t keep the White Sox from being second class citizens in Chicago but they will continue to own Havana.
Not many who want a 32 yr old dh for 4 years or more.
Can’t judge Chapman on 1 pitch. Just won the award for best reliever. In this market, he’s pretty much irreplaceable. Watch out what you wish for.
I’m not judging Chapman on the HR he gave up to Altuve. I just believe that the Yankees have plenty of short relievers capable of being effective late game assets and that the $17 million Chapman is earning to throw just 60 innings is better spent elsewhere.
This team is going to start getting real expensive the next few years as the younger players enter arbitration and losing Chapman’s money would help alleviate the upcoming salary crunch. I wouldn’t mind if Chapman doesn’t opt out, but I certainly wouldn’t extend him another year or two to keep him from doing so.
“plenty of short relievers capable of being effective late game assets”
No. Just no. They need ALL of those guys to set up. And that’s counting Betances. Without Betances they gave lots of IP to guys who had no business in MLB, with ERA’s north of 6. No, you lose Chapman, you have to replace him. And none, I mean none, of the other guys are capable of a primetime closer role at this stage of their careers. You lose Chapman, you have to replace him. And with who?
Pass on Betances. Guy has thrown a ton of innings, he was hurt all year and he’s in his early 30s. Too much of a risk for me. It’s time to let him walk. Yanks need to acquire a starter that can give them length and also have Boone stop pulling starters with one or two outs in the 5th. You can’t have $60 million tied up in bullpen arms. It’s ridiculous.
I think Britton would be just fine in the role. He has the experience and did it successfully.
Remember when Yankees fans laughed at the Rays because they felt they stole him from us. How y’all feeling now paying for that horrible production and $5m for him to play for someone else? Pretty dumb
Yankees got him from the Mariners not the Rays.
That’s not what he was saying.
i think he’s implying that the yankees swooped in and acquired him before the rays could
And it worked out pretty good, especially with Stanton on the sidelines.
@kc38
How was it dumb? The Yanks had Stanton, Hicks, Andujar, Voit and I think Judge was either on the DL too or just coming off the DL. It’s not like the $5 mil was a prohibitive amount. I understand the Rays might find $5 mil a problem. Probably have to lay off concession workers otherwise.
Exactly. Five million to the Yankees is not like 5 million to the Rays.
@macstruts
I don’t know how much but the M’s also sent cash to the Yanks in the deal too.
Including this $5 mil buyout, the Yanks paid a total of about $9 mil to Encarnacion. A $9 mil gamble for more than a half season of one of the best power hitters in the game is a no-brainer risk reward. If he had not taken that pitch to the wrist it would have certainly paid off.
If you ask a team if they wanna throw $5 million in a fire or put that towards another player they’re gonna choose B. May seem like nothing right now but that money is very nice to have regardless of the team
So do you agree with the NYY getting EE or not?
He struggled in the houston series like a lot of guys but he hit well in the regular season and had a good series vs Minnesota . I would say the trade worked out just fine for what the Yankees gave up in prospects and salary
And since when is roughly 30% above league average “horrible production”
No surprise here. Teams have recently discovered that the DH can be exploited as a way to hide flawed or injured players in the lineup. With a few exceptions, there’s no reason to purchase a DH-only hitter.
@Kayrall
You really think that’s a new discovery? With Edgar Martinez being a recent HOF inductee my guess is that the cat’s been out the bag for a couple of decades or so.
@southbeach don’t think you understood his post
@jbigz12
“Teams have RECENTLY discovered that the DH can be exploited as a way to hide flawed or injured players in the lineup.”
What I miss?
Lol
The word, “did”.
“There’s no reason to buy a full time DH” is how I interpreted his post. Edgar Martinez was essentially a career DH. He was a full time DH for 10+ years. That would be the equivalent of buying a full time Dh. Not having a primary DH and Rotating guys there who are hurt and/or poor defenders would be something else. And that’s how I interpreted what Kayrall said here.
I can see what you’re saying now though.
Encarnacion is not going back to the Jays. There will be very few takers for him. Injury might make room somewhere. I think that he has one or two fair years left.
@jimmertee
As long as EE is still hitting 25+ homers and can keep his OBP around .330 or better he will always be able to get a mlb contract. How much is the question. But he’s been a consistent bat only player for a while. He won’t touch $20 mil per or may not even $10 mil but he will have a few teams that want him for his power.
I think you guys are saying the same thing. Only Jimmer says EE isn’t going back to the Blue Jays. It’s probably true. EE returning to Toronto wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world. I don’t see him wanting to return.
So now with E out the Yanks still have a few too many DH or 1st base only types that are avg to below avg at best or lack the defense skills needed in big spots:
Stanton LF-RF
Andujar 3rd-1st
Voit 1st
Sanchez C-1st
Frazier OF
Ford 1st
Bird 1st
Every other players is either average to above average defensively or a stud at their respective position.
So the Yanks have to figure out a way to rotate that DH spot. They also will have a potential Bird return if he shocks everyone and has a great showing in DR and Spring Training.
Yanks need to move a few guys and decide who they want to go forward with. Need more high contact bats and less HR or bust.
Agreed. I have a guy that would fit. Salary is a little high but maybe San Diego would kick in some. I’m thinking Hosmer. Great defensive 1B, and a good contact hitter. Let Didi go, and if Chapman opts out more money to put towards him. Aside from the big SP. he’s owed $99 mill over the next 6, with the first 3 at $20m a year, and the last 3 at $13m a year. He just turned 30. Pretty durable as well.
Oh great….I was worried Greg Bird wouldn’t be back…below average 1st baseman with 4 years of “great potential “
under his belt…..he’s got to have pictures
of Hal’s lady…..
@poor leo
He’s getting paid league minimum. Doesn’t make sense to get rid of him if he still has minor league options left. But he’s low on their 1B/DH depth chart so I doubt he’ll start 2020 anywhere other than AAA. Even if traded to another team he would likely be in AAA in April.
This is true
Id like to see him on angels and reduce pujols role. Would be a nice cheap veteran bat that wont command huge money.
There is no way Pujols is going to give away his playing time as long as he’s “productive” while hitting “homeruns and driving in around 100 runs” a year. He’s also advanced-metrics disinclined. That’s his justification. Great career and greater ego.
VERY unlikely but If he wants to move to the NL a 1/2 year deal with the pirates may work out as a 1b/3b. he’d have to come in at less than 15M to do it.. and at that price an AL team would probably grab him up
His bat still plays and the pirates need a power bat
A line up of:
SS: Newman
LF: Reynolds
1B: Bell
3B: Encarnacion
CF: Marte
RF: Polanco
2B: Frazier
C: Diaz
would be one to watch out for.
yeah Edwin’s glove leaves a lot to be desired. But with Moran/Osuna the current options, Edwin’s bat could likely out weigh those deficiencies and still likely near as good as Moran.
Team has other more pressing needs (pitching and catcher) but this signing would give a rather large boost to the offense if he continues doing what he has been doing the past 8 years
but yeah.. not happening :-/
If the Pirates don’t trade Marte, then their off season is a bust. Playing EE at 3rd for even a half season would be foolish.
See i think its more the other way around. Unless someone is cleaning out their top prospects for him… keep’m and if the team is doing well at the break.. try to extend him.
Edwin couldn’t play 3B when he played the position. There’s a reason why his nickname was E5 in Cincy.
LOL yeah forgot about that., likely not a lot worse than moran though.
Edwin at 3B!!!????? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
He struggled defensively at 3B in his 20’s. Why would anyone bring him in to play 3B at 36-37? In fact why would Edwin ever agree to that?
Absurd idea.
have you seen moran play? lol 😉 not bad if the ball is hit right to him… but other than that, it was getting through. Probably not much worse.. the bat ‘should’ make up for it.
no arguing the defense wouldn’t work out well for him though
Thank you Macstruts. I was just about to reveal the wonderful nickname for Edwin AKA E5. Once Edwin was moved to 1B/DH his bat improved (along with other factors, but his D was brutal and his bat did suffer).
Joe-Moran has little range and made too many errors but made some nice plays too.
The Pirates would not pay EE more than $10M.
But you are correct they most certainly need the power that Pedro Alvarez brought and that they have never replaced.
I do not think that the new brain trust will be able to get out of their own way for three years for that is what it will take for them to figure it out and for the fans to figure them out.
The out of box thinking is to trade Josh Bell and put EE at first base.
I am concerned that Josh’s batting average other than April and May was 223.They can sign a first baseman( and one who can field the position) or put Osuna there much easier than replacing Marte.
i don’t know if you remember this, but years ago EE nickname was E5.
Pirates are destined for another mediocre 75 win season. Terribly run team.
Them and a lot of other teams then.
I’m gonna guess…because guessing is the best i can do…that the Rays sign him to a 2/24 contract with a club option for a third year. Maybe the option has a vesting clause.
That would make sense for both though maybe EE could get as much as $14MM elsewhere.
Suspiciously suspect move.
I’d say Marlins offer him 1 year, 10 million to play 100-110 games at 1B. Provide some much needed power in their lineup and a quality veteran bat.
Hey look, I hate the marlins but this would be a huge waste of money for a team that needs to focus on developing players. They consistently make stupid decisions like this, but I promise you long term they should test out different options or spend ur 10 mil elsewhere
Like what? Marlins have tons of young pitching options for their rotation so no need to sign any starters. Only $30 million committed to payroll next year. Marlins will sign two veteran bullpen arms (think Romo, Neshek, etc.). Marlins could easily sign maybe, Encarnacion to play 1st, Asdrubal Cabrera for $8 million for 3B. This would allow B Anderson to split time between RF and 3B, for Asdrubal Cabrera to backup 2B/SS, Cooper can platoon at 1B With EE and platoon LF with Harold Ramirez, and Brinson can play Center with Magneuris Sierra as the backup, (maybe Brinson struggles again and Monte Harrison or Jesus Sanchez can beat him out for the starting job). Isan Diaz at 2B and Rojas at SS with Berti as the all purpose Utility man. And Alfaro (and maybe a guy like Wellington Castillo or Russell Martin we the backup catcher). These moves would only put the Marlins payroll at 60-65 million. The money has to be spent somehow and they need more offense than anything. Guys like Granderson won’t cut it this season. Need to get better FA to supplement the young players and prospects.
Stretch-two quick comments.
Seems to me that Marlins fans would want some competitiveness in their team next year and it would not hurt to mix in a couple of veteran players who can add to both the on and off field products.
Russell Martin I am pretty sure had said that he would hang them up if he was not playing for only one or two teams next year.
Fair points. I personally am an advocate for the Fish to sign a Marcell Ozuna to anchor left field, Asdrubal Cabrera to anchor 3B/1B. Bring in a solid reliever and a closer (Marlins had like 20-25 blown saves last year, some crazy high number). That alone, makes them a 70-75 win team. The rest of their prospects should filter in to the majors around 2021. Guys like Sixto Sanchez, Jesus Sanchez, JJ Bleday, etc.
However I do not think Miami will add great FA. I think they will utilize the salary flexibility to take on bad contracts from other teams to add to their farm for 2020 and come next offseason, that’s when I expect them to sign the bigger free agents.
This is just a good smart move and I really hope he is not resigned to a one year deal of any sorts where i she sucks up a roster spot and money
I noticed that SBD stuck up for of all scrubs..Greg Bird. This lineup is in dire need for an overhaul, because trying to play like a beer league softball team ain’t gonna get it done. Trade for 1-2 LH athletic players. Yes, Yes, Yes get an ace!!!
@Steven Chinwood
What non-sense are you talking about? Got my name all in your mouth. Quite childish. Where did I say anything about Bird other than he will be in AAA for someone in 2020?
Yanks are set at 1b (Voit, DJ, Ford), 2b (Torres, DJ), SS (Torres/Didi), 3b (Urshela, Andujar, DJ), C (Sanchez), DH (Stanton, Andujar, and possibly Frazier or Ford), OF (Judge, Gardner, Frazier). A lefty hitting LF/CF might be the only position where an upgrade. Kick rocks son.
Beer league..YDD. Keep carrying that water though.
Yes and that lefty will be Tauchman. Plus Didi may not be back. DJ to 2B, and they should upgrade for a real 1b instead. That plays defense and makes contact.
Personally not loving your 1b plan at all. Nor bringing gardy or didi back.
I’d like to see them acquire a lefty hitting 1b who makes contact and plays D (kinda like what the genius thought bird would be). Then go dj Torres and andujar. Wade and urshela can be the utility guys. Am still not sold that Gio Is more than a one hit wonder.
In the OF Stanton judge big red tauch (gets a look but like gio…) and bring in a lefty who plays D and makes contact. Think 28 year old gardy not 37 year old gardy.
Get 1 ace and a legit # 2 so the rotation on paper is
Ace
Option b
Seve
Pax
Tanaka
All the young guys like Monty and loaisaga can start in SWB and be back.
I get that cash will have to wheel and deal to acquire the arms we need so who knows. I just have no faith in him to do so…
Let’s see but I’m frustrated and exhausted by cashman’s failure to finish this off.
Cashman had his chance with Cole and the Pirates.
Look at your list and see the tremendous depth that these wealthy teams can afford.
Just like beating your rival in a pennant race,it is worth double the win.Yankees get Cole,Astros do not.
Minor leaguers,unless they are sureshots,cannot be depended upon to be complete players.
It was time for Cashman to go for it and he did not produce.They easily could have beat the Astros offer which we have to believe was the best that NH could get at that point.
Makes sense. I like him on the yanks though. Wonder what his market will be. Love seeing guys like him in home run friendly parks.
How’s his defense these days? If he can play even a mediocre left field, I can see the Cardinals giving him a one or two year deal if they can’t resign Ozuna.
I wouldn’t mind that at all, it’s not like Ozuna was anything more than passable out there. Then if Carlson makes a push for a spot, you’ve got Bader/Fowler as your fourth/defensive replacement, etc depending on how they wanted to play it.
“the lack of win-now teams with a clear DH opening around the league do somewhat cloud his market.”
Same for JDM. Those who think JDM will opt out and beat his current salary, especially those thinking, ridiculously, that he’ll hit $80MM, I taunt you a second time. No way a guy two years older, less healthy, and less godly is going to get a raise. He’d be an idiot to opt out. (Let’s also add the ominous factor that few teams can afford a $21MM+ DH…
Twins, Red Sox, Nationals, Yankees, Dodgers, Jays make sense.
Where will EE play on the Dodgers???
NYY are full up with DH options. Stanton will get the lion’s share then 4-5 others will take ABs to rest their bodies from the field. That’s why they opted not to keep him. Only other thing I could think was they want to see if they can sign him for far less. Of course, anything reasonable ($12-$14MM) plus $5MM buyout isn’t much of a savings. And, as I said, they’re loaded with DH’s.
Twins DH / part time outfield
Can’t play OF. Part-time 1B at best.
As much as I love him as an off the bench/pinch hitter/part time DH I also know as far as the Yankees’ roster needs, his offensive productivity can be replaced by a more versatile, cheaper or more valuable player and his salary can be better used on pitching. He isn’t worth $15M a season on an already stacked line up but he’s worth close to that in general. I see EE latching on somewhere for 1 year/$10M if he tries to sign with a contender and if he is just going for maximum value I could see someone forking over 2 years/$33M to play the same role he did on the Yankees.
Maybe on the Rays….
I think a contender would have to pay more than $10MM ($12-$14MM) and I’m not sure what cheaper player could replace his performance of 30% above average. Not one they have, I don’t think.
You can if you string together a bunch of guys on hot streaks. Say, a bunch of guys like Frazier, Tauchman, Maybin etc. and I’d take a guy making $13M or so giving you 75% of EE’s output and if the Yankees wanted him for $13-14M I don’t think they’d have bought him out for $5M to save themselves $1M or so and contenders know they can find guys to emulate his productivity for way less money without being a less than 5-tool roster spot.
Stringing together a bunch of guys on hot streaks is a high risk strategy, especially when your goal is 30% above average. Not something you’d want to count on happening.
“I’d take a guy making $13M or so giving you 75% of EE’s output”
EE is likely to be earning $10-$15MM. Why would you spend the same amount for 75% of the output?
Still don’t see a viable replacement (average plus 30%) for less.
Yankees off season
This is what t they’ll do……………….
#1 Sign Brett Gardner they will bring bat this post season DUD for about 7-10 million. You know cuz this is FIRST ON THEIR LIST. He will be brought back as a #4 but he’ll play in 160 games and then go DEAD in the post season. As you see he batted 3rd and got his butt wrecked in the post season nothing changes. You think they’d learn
#2 Greg Bird this is it guys!! This is IT!! He’s going to be the one to lift the Yankees in 2020 so don’t be fooled it’s going to be HIS YEAR. :rolls eyes”
#3 You will sit in fron of your tv and your phone waiting all winter long for them to do SOMETHING but they ain’t doing a darn thing! Winter meeting will come and go and all you will hear from this team is we are happy with our current roster and the NEW pitching coach will fix everything.
This team will throw out it’s usually smoke and mirrors for it’s fans. On how they were in on everything yea yea.
Then Brian and CO will go into an office and slap the biggest pile of dog poop ion the way and some 8-8 Starting pitcher will stick to the wall THINKING THEY can turn him into Nolan Ryan then the NY fan will chew on his butt-hole and he’ll be walked outta town. Rinse and repeat.
Save yourself the headach and believe nothing they do or tell you. It will be another season of the same junk
This entire teams priorities are wrong it was wrong last year and it will be wrong again!
And if you think Cole’s gonna be a Yankees lemme save you sitting around.
Man will not be a Yankee nor play on the East Coast. Put it in your notes if ya gotta.
FROM LOUIEBEANS THE REALIST
Wow what a tag line Louie. We all are expecting it to be FROM LOUIE BEANS-head of the constipation department.
Always ragging in the Yankees and doubting are your hallmarks.
At your old crusty age don’t you know that anything can happen in the post season?
If Hal opens the Yankee wallet, Cole will sign. You’ve been stupid in your criticism, after all Hal needs to protect the bottom line to pay for the big extensions and contracts for the new core.
Or would you like to support the Sox after Mookie and others are traded away?
“If Hal opens the Yankee wallet, Cole will sign”.
Kinda leaves us in-doubt with that line.
I believe that Mike Ford can be the every day 1st baseman for the Yankees. He proved that he could hit lefties too and makes contact more often than Voit or Encarnacion, therefore not as prone to prolonged slumps. He is very affordable for the Yankees making the minimum MLB wage and is a very productive hitter. He’s a lefty which is beneficial for Yankees Stadium, but can hit to all fields too. His OBP is excellent too (.350 in limited time in the bigs and .401 in the minors.) Defensively, he made just about all of the plays required. Everything seems to be on the up and up with Mike Ford. His situation is beneficial for the Yankees and he’s at the age of fulfilling his full potential which. He’s 27 and has at least 8 years of good baseball left. The only concern I would have is his weight. I believe though, that the Yankees can talk to him about that and keep him aware of it.