The Bronx Bombers’ quiet offseason has come to an abrupt end, as the Yankees and Twins have combined on a blockbuster of a five-player deal. Third baseman Josh Donaldson, infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and catcher Ben Rortvedt are all heading to the Yankees, while the Twins will pick up catcher Gary Sanchez and infielder Gio Urshela. The $50MM still owed on Donaldson’s contract is being entirely absorbed by the Yankees, as per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. To create space on their 40-man roster, New York placed reliever Zack Britton on the 60-day injured list.
Donaldson has a five-team no-trade clause, though it isn’t known if the Yankees were one of the five clubs on his list, or if he waived his clause to head to New York. The Yankees will pay a $2MM assignment bonus due to the trade, and in being moved, the $16MM club option on Donaldson for 2024 now becomes a mutual option with a $6MM buyout, rather than an $8MM buyout.
This gigantic deal creates a shakeup on the rosters of both clubs, and ends Kiner-Falefa’s Minnesota tenure after just one day. The Twins only acquired Kiner-Falefa from the Rangers for Mitch Garver on Saturday, but now the former Gold Glover has been flipped as part of a much bigger deal that sees the Twins move a major salary off their books. Another flip doesn’t appear to be forthcoming, as The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal says the Twins plan to use Sanchez behind the plate.
After a winter of speculation about how the Yankees would address their infield, the Bronx Bombers have now installed Donaldson as their new everyday third baseman and Kiner-Falefa as their new shortstop. (New York was linked to IKF earlier this winter, so the team has finally landed him even after his brief stopover in Minnesota.) DJ LeMahieu may float between first and second base, sharing time with Gleyber Torres at the keystone and Luke Voit at first base. The DH spot is also a possibility to give at-bats to players, depending on how much outfield time Giancarlo Stanton can handle.
All this to be said, we certainly can’t rule out the Yankees making yet another big splash, since the team has been linked to both Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson to address first base. If either of those players are obtained, Voit would certainly look like an immediate trade candidate, and even dealing LeMahieu or Torres could be a possibility depending on what direction the Yankees wish to take.
Donaldson is no stranger to the AL East, having enjoyed some of his best years (including his 2015 MVP season) while playing with the Blue Jays from 2015-18. The 36-year-old’s production hasn’t declined much since those years in Toronto, as while injury concerns have cropped up as Donaldson has gotten deeper into his 30s, Donaldson is still a dangerous bat. The third baseman hit .247/.352/.475 with 26 homers over 543 PA with the Twins last season, and continued to post his usual elite-level hard-contact and walk rates.
Defensive metrics are mixed on Donaldson’s third base glovework, but New York is hoping that Kiner-Falefa can pick up any defensive slack on the left side of the infield. The winner of the AL Gold Glove Award as a third baseman with Texas in 2020, Kiner-Falefa has also been impressive over 1498 career innings shortstop in the view of the Defensive Runs Saved (+14) and UZR/150 (+1.7) metrics, though the Outs Above Average metric (-7) was very down on his shortstop glovework in 2021. The Fielding Bible ranked Kiner-Falefa third among all shortstops in their voting for the 2021 season.
Kiner-Falefa is controlled through two more arbitration seasons, thus essentially making him a bridge to what the Yankees hope will be their shortstop of the future. All winter long, New York has reportedly resisted getting into the hunt for the top tier of the free agent shortstop market due to the team’s belief in star prospects Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza. With Peraza maybe approaching his MLB debut as early as this season and Volpe perhaps coming by 2023, the Yankees wanted to retain flexibility at shortstop rather than lock themselves into a ten-year commitment to a Carlos Correa or a Corey Seager.
Rortvedt is the least famous of the five names involved in the swap, and he hit only .169/.229/.281 over his first 98 PA in the majors, all with Minnesota last season. While Rortvedt has hit better in the minors, he isn’t expected to be another Sanchez at the plate, as the Yankees seem to intend Rortvedt to platoon with Kyle Higashioka in something of a defense-first tandem. Given all the other pop in New York’s lineup, focusing on glovework behind the plate seems like a fair tradeoff, particularly since Sanchez’s defense has been a topic of controversy for years amongst Yankees fans. Again, it isn’t out of the question that the aggressive Yankees could make another move to add a more proven veteran to the catching mix.
Payroll-wise, the Yankees take on Donaldson’s $50MM, the projected $4.9MM for Kiner-Falefa’s 2022 salary, and Rortvedt’s minimum salary. Urshela’s $6.55MM salary for 2022 and Sanchez’s projected $7.9MM salary come off the books, leaving the Bombers with a luxury tax number of roughly $242.7MM (according to Roster Resource). This is well over the new $230MM tax threshold but under the “second tier” of $250MM that would trigger a stiffer financial penalty for the Yankees. The club made a point of ducking under the luxury tax line in 2021 and thus resetting its clock, so the Yankees would only have to pay a first-timer penalty of 20 percent on the overage for every dollar spent between $230MM and $250MM.
The savings are much more profound for the Twins, who get Donaldson off their books and have now freed up some longer-term payroll space. According to SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson (Twitter link), the Twins didn’t pick up Kiner-Falefa with the intention of immediately moving him again, yet the club was ultimately swayed at the Yankees’ offer to take all of Donaldson’s contract.
This isn’t to say that Minnesota is necessarily looking to tear down the roster, as much of Donaldson’s 2022 salary space has now been filled by Sanchez, Urshela, and even Sonny Gray, acquired earlier today from the Reds. After spending just under $100MM on payroll in 2021, the Twins have around $94.2MM on the books for 2022 at the moment, giving them more space for other moves if they even approach their $125MM-$131MM full season payrolls from the 2018-19 seasons.
Owner Jim Pohlad said last summer that the Twins wouldn’t be rebuilding, and while it seems as though the Twins are still firmly planning to contend in 2022, they’ve created more maneuverability for themselves in landing Sanchez (one remaining year before free agency) and Urshela (two years of control). Should things go south for the Twins in 2022 as they did in 2021, therefore, the team may be able to more cleanly pivot towards moving players at the trade deadline, and perhaps at that point consider a larger-scale rebuild.
It wasn’t long ago that Sanchez was seen as a key to the Yankees’ future, breaking out with huge power numbers that seemed to put him next in the long line of big-hitting Bronx catchers. However, Sanchez has produced average-to-mediocre numbers in three of the last four years, leading to speculation this past fall that Sanchez could even be a non-tender candidate. Clearly, hanging onto the catcher proved worthwhile for the Yankees, as they were able to make him a big trade chip in this major swap.
Between his defensive issues and his evolution into a three-true-outcomes type of player, it remains to be seen if Sanchez can find a fresh start in Minneapolis. He wouldn’t be the first player to blossom outside of the New York pressure cooker (his new teammate Gray is a prime example), and Sanchez still provides strong power and on-base numbers. Sanchez still makes plenty of hard contact, but just making that contact has been a persistent issue, as Sanchez has been one of the game’s more strikeout-prone hitters for five seasons running.
Assuming the Twins do indeed plan to keep Sanchez, he’ll pair with Ryan Jeffers (a more defensive-minded catcher) as Garver’s replacement. Elsewhere in the infield, a situation that seemed settled with Kiner-Falefa’s addition is now once again thrown up in the air.
While Urshela has some experience as a shortstop, it seems much more likely that he’ll take Donaldson’s spot at third base, as the hot corner is Urshela’s usual position and he has shown himself to be a very solid defender. Urshela basically came out of nowhere to post huge numbers for the Yankees in 2019 and 2020, quickly making himself an infield regular amidst several injuries to New York’s roster during the 2019 campaign.
However, Urshela ran into some health issues himself this past season, missing time amidst a COVID-19 outbreak in the New York clubhouse and then a left hamstring strain. This could explain Urshela’s dropoff to a modest .267/.301/.419 slash line and 14 home runs over 442 PA, while his walk and strikeout rates plummeted from their 2020 levels.
The Twins are obviously counting on rebounds from both of their new players, and there is some obvious upside to the club’s plan. Should Sanchez and Urshela return to their 2019 form, that will be more than make up for the loss of Donaldson’s bat. The scope of this deal would seem to hint that at least one notable follow-up move will be coming, as the Twins now again need to address a shortstop void that Kiner-Falefa had seemingly filled. Jorge Polanco could move back to shortstop in a pinch but the Twins prefer him as a second baseman going forward.
Since Urshela can at least handle shortstop on a part-time basis, the Twins could also opt to land another third baseman, thus allowing for an Urshela/Polanco timeshare at shortstop and a Polanco/Luis Arraez split at second base. Daniel Robertson and Tim Beckham are also in camp on minor league deals for further infield options, and infield prospect Jose Miranda’s big 2021 season has put him on the verge of his MLB debut.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan (Twitter link) was the first to report that Donaldson and Kiner-Falefa were being dealt to the Yankees, while MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported that Sanchez and Urshela were going to Minnesota. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal (via Twitter) reported Rortvedt’s inclusion in the trade.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Terrible move for the Yankees. There are players on the free agent market that are more skilled and reliable than Donaldson. Urshela could play a strong defensive SS with a much better bat than Kiner-Falefa. Fail all the way around for the Yankees.
UHHHHHHH
Twins making a salary dump right after trading for a pitcher.
So Donaldson plays 3B?
Saw someone say Hosmer and Campusano to Yankees earlier.
No one is going to trade for Hosmer.
Nor is Hosmer waiving his no-trade clause to be berated by the New York media all season
Hosmer makes $$$$$ and lives in SD. He’s not waiving his no trade clause if he has one.
Unless he comes over in a 2 player trade paired with a player who’s on a more team friendly contract. Not unlike what MN did with Donaldson
No one was going to trade for Donaldson and that contract of his either, so….
Donaldson can still play a lil bit of baseball though
@Oh Boy Here We Go- if the Padres throw in Campusano and Hassell with Hosmer I think the Yankees would have interest in a trade. Voit, German, Hicks, and Andujar could be headed to San Diego. Hosmer which a lot of people don’t know is a life long Yankee fan who grew up Upstate. Check it out on You Tube.
If the Padres are taking Hicks then one of those players gets pulled back. The rest of the players mentioned are non-starters. German pitched well and the Yankees need rotation depth so they may not even want to include him. Also not sure what the Padres position on his DV issue would be (if that even matters). Voit is a throw in. Andujar has no value to the Padres. Machado at 3B, Voit would DH, and LF at Petco is not a good place for him.
I did. I’ve said it in the past too, because of our need for a C in the future, but that’s simply my opinion. There’s no way they can do that now with Donaldson though, imo, unless they took someone like Hicks + off the books.
Honestly, Hicks for Hosmer salary wise is almost a wash. Granted Hosmer is owed about $20 million more (which the Padres would probably pick up a chunk of), Hicks plays a premium defensive position and has been injured much of the past 2 full seasons while Hosmer plays First Base and has just been unproductive. Straight up without the prospect kicker and just the cash thrown in would probably get it done
Hicks plays a premium defensive position? Sitting in the trainers room is a defensive position? He does it well, though.
Finally something else happened today. Who will catch for the Yankees now though?
Why would the twins do this? Has to be more involved. Getting 2 worse players back? They would have been better keeping garver over Sanchez? And trading Donaldson for someone better than urshela
Clearing salary presumably. Donaldson’s is a bad deal.
That’s a shame after trading for gray today. Maybe they are going to spend donaldsons money somewhere else. If not, don’t see the point of trading Garver and trading for gray
@bighiggy definitely spending elsewhere and soon. They are going to try and contend.
The Twins Sign Cora
……………Or……………
They Trade Grey Tomorrow
Getting rid of that bad contract. Donaldson couldn’t stay healthy. That money can be spent to get better results.
Remember all the Braves fans who wanted AA to give that bad contract to Josh?
True, saved money for Freddie. Oh wait…. They’re letting him walk…
shedding that contract — NYY may not have wanted Garver…
They will move Sanchez to a NL team as a DH for other talent. Nice move by Minnesota.
I have to believe Sanchez will probably DH more than Catch for the Twins. Jeffers will be the starter and Sanchez or another acquisition would be the backup.
Possibly, but initial reports are the Twins have no interest in Sanchez.
Could be. Maybe Sanchez is just passing through Minnesota like IKF was
To make a run at Story?
Interesting move.
It also means more moves are coming.
Has to.
Who you got for C boys? Willson, maybe?
That’d be the Boss move.
Well this move certainly came out of LF. Overall I like it. Sure wish we had Tucker Barnhart!!!
Got to be more coming!!!
DBF…
I’m in the Middle with this move but as I said, the Ninja is quiet and there is more to come.
Know anything about the Catcher we got?
Yeah, I don’t think this is it for Cash, either.
I get it. I don’t love it nor do I detest it. Have to view it in light of whatever else transpires.
I’m afraid I don’t, Byron. I had to look him up on B-Ref.
Heeeeelllll no
Heeeelll no
Maybe, but Contreras will be expensive, Cubs will want quality not quantity. Maybe Willson Contreras and Kyle Hendricks for Jasson Dominguez?
What no one talks about, Cubs could trade Yan Gomes instead.
No. They can’t, actually. It’s against the rules until June. Fyi
So who’s gonna catch for the Yankees now? Higashioka is not a starter
IKF used to catch
They aren’t moving a gold glove shortstop to catcher
He didn’t win a gold glove at short dude
He easily could have. unbelievably talented SS but catcher was a tough one for him. He isn’t a catcher
Not even a Yank fan but must say the Yanks just ripped off the Twins big time. Sanchez is a terrible catcher should be a DH. Gio is a average player Ok defense and just OK offense. IKF is very good defensively every where he plays. Donaldson is still a good powerful hitter with good defense. I just don’t see how the Twins thought this was a good trade for them?
@Arc2. Pretty sure the twins would have traded Donaldson for any cheap player. They wanted to dump salary as priority 1.
Another trade in incoming.
They got a catcher in the deal.
The twins traded for Kiner-Falefa just to trade him away. I thought they needed a SS?
Still time to get one.
You think they would be interested in sosa or dejong from st. Louis? I think the twins and cards could pair up nicely on a trade
@bighiggy I don’t.
Yeah maybe they got something else brewing. Cards have too many infielders and twins seem like they may need some lol. Was just a thought
@bighiggy are you a cards fan?
Yeah, through the good and the
Bad. Cards have a million infielders and not enough space for them. None are amazing but all are decent. Just too dang many and cards need to ship some out lol. Somebody has to need infielders around here 🙂
@bighiggy I wouldn’t rule anything completely out. But the fact that you as a fan offered them up makes me believe you aren’t crazy about them? If that’s true why do the twins want to trade for them? Like the Yankees fan below.
I do like all of them, just too many. Cards need bullpen help. Sosa is a good player on both sides just no pop. Dejong great fielder, power hitter, strikes out a bunch. Edman, great fielder, good contact, just can’t walk. Then there’s gorman coming up, gonna be an all star. Obvious trade candidates is sosa or dejong. Both good players, neither are gonna win an mvp. Can’t keep them all, or I guess you can and someone wastes away. Would like to see,as a fan which ever one doesn’t start,get traded to a team where they will start.
@bighiggy If they sign a ss then one of them should be traded. If not I can see them keeping both.
And they just cleared money. Story time in the Twin Cities?
Nick Gordon and Royce Lewis are already on the roster and as someone already mentioned Trevor Story is still available (as is Correa, though that seems unlikely)
Why? Simply why? Giooooo???? Are you kidding me???
Gio needed to go. Too many IFers. Too clogged.
they literally brought in two IFers tho lmao
Well, I should’ve clarified that, you’re right. One is a true utility guy & can competently play SS for a full season. We currently have (had) no MLB player capable of that. Donaldson is a true 3B, so he replaces Urshela, and Sanchez is a DH. Urshela or Torres had to go for us to fill SS through a trade though. I think Torres may still be on the trade block too.
Donaldson as a Yankee is going to be weird
He’s gonna look weird with no beard.
eh not really, he always had a pretty thin/patchy beard so i dont think itll be too jarring to look at him. its not like when the yanks got damon from boston
Going to be lots of fights
If by “weird” you mean “squared away” then: yes.
Especially when him and Coke are supposed to make nice
LOL
Both of these organizations are messed up; flailing away with no sense of direction.
It’s true. Why trade for Sonny Gray just to dump Donaldson and IKF the next day? Why replace Garver with Gary Sanchez? What are the Twins doing!?!
Twins are stupid. They trade Garver and Donaldson and get Sanchez and Urshela?
Smart imo. They have a plan. More moves to come.
Probably Sanchez to Phils for Gregorious
@Kruk it probably not.
Saved about 40 million.
They have to be in on one of the shortstops
Under rated statement. This is their endgame.
Seems like lateral moves by both teams to me, but at least the Twins shed that awful Donaldson contract
Agree, Poppin’ – I get that it’s a trade involving people we’ve heard of, but… eh? Big deal? I don’t see how this by itself really makes either team a whole lot better.
Urshela isn’t bad and they are going to flip Sanchez to an NL where he will be a DH. Let’s see what they get back.
There’s gonna be tension in that dugout for sure w Donaldson and Cole
Oh yeahhhh. I forgot about that!
Struggling to understand the trade on both sides. But I’ll wait to see how it plays out I guess.
Salary dump to add better piece. And Yankees being Yankees taking on expensive old players.
“blockbusters” sure ain’t what they used to be
Odd
Very interested to see the next moves for Yanks. Need a catcher now.
Yankees calling Cubs?
@bigjonliljon- yes the Yankees will try for Contreras now. They definitely have the pieces the Cubs will want.
Who could you see the yanks offering for Contreras? Price will be high
@bighiggy- Deivi, Voit, and maybe Andujar. The Cubs need offense. Cub fans will love the power of Voit. Andujar can play some 3rd base, left field and dh a little. Expect a bounce back year from Deivi Garcia. Contreras will definitely help the Yankees with his defense and his pop. Cubies should try for German instead of Deivi. I love the Cubs they are my favorite team in the NL.
@bighiggy Young high upside prospects. Yankees fans always want to give you Voit and Andujar. They would be offering Frazier instead of Devi if they could.
All depends on if the Cubs plan to really compete. If they sign Correa I could see a voit, deivi and maybe somebody else? But if they are going to compete will they even trade contreras. i dont think they would want andujar honestly. They have a bunch of infielders already and wisdom had a geck if a year last year. Honestly I see a rizzo reunion so voit would be out too. But I’m sure each have the pieces.
At least the Cubs got Frazier already. The Yankee fans can’t offer him anymore.
Cubs have nice young players and more on the way. If when they trade Contreras it will be to load up the farm.
I know right, not getting Contreras for voit and andujar lol. Cubs aren’t stupid
Yanks love disabled players I guess. At least Hicks has an IL buddy now
Lolololololol ADIOS SANCHEZ
It’s the move Yank-me fans have been waiting for!
What the f ing f!!! Whoa !!!
This is certainly an unexpected and headline grabbing trade.
I like this for the yanks, think kiner can be really good too
I wonder if the Twins are trying to clear Donaldson’s contract so they can sign someone else…Story perhaps?
Good move to dump the contract no matter what they do. But they aren’t done.
I like IKF on the Yankees. Donaldson I’m a bit mixed on. I’m sure he’ll love hitting in Yankee stadium though
Yanks out on freddie now? Yes plz
What the hell is Cashman doing?
1) Please tell me Falafel-sandwich isn’t the steering SS
2) More moves are coming, obviously. I can’t wait, Story? Olson? Freeman? Some DFA guy?
3) Donaldson makes sense! Any RH-heavy team that strikes out too much needs a 45-year-old Rah-hitter who strikes out. I like it ……NOT. But He’s probably going to hit better than Gary…lol.
Mlbnyyfan? Where you at?! Revenge trade happened bro!!! You should be stoked!
If this was rookie year Gary Sanchez and Josh Donaldson 2015ish, this would be exciting. Nowadays though you are talking about a guy who is an offensive AND defensive liability for a guy who’s to often injured and losing a step every time he hits said IL. Yawn
I feel like a free agent signing is brewing either from the Yankees or the Twins
So… essentially it was Garver, Donaldson, and Rortvedt for Sanchez and Urshela… not sure how I feel
You unloaded a bad contract in Donaldson and got back some upside for cheap and a change of scenery piece (Sanchez).
Yeah it’s a Donaldson salary dump.
mnsports: You forgot Chase Petty. He’s definitely a long ways away but he COULD be the key to this 2-day 3-way deal. Plus the return the Twins get when they trade Sanchez, as the article states that they have no plans on retaining him.
bruh
Are the Twins trying to win or not?
@amk1920- this is a lot better trade for the Twinkies then for us. You will love Urshela. He’s a gamer. You’ll love his play if you’re a Twinkies fan. Sanchez can hit over 20 homeruns with his eyes closed.
That’s the problem with Sanchez. He hits like his eyes are closed. Kinda catches like that, too.
Great one
I hate to see my teammates go. I’m in total shock. Urshela was one of my best friends. I really don’t like this trade. Besides Donaldson and Cole hate each other. How is this goin’ work out? Smh
Sheffield was a pretty polarizing clubhouse guy yet he managed to stay in NY for a decent amount of time. They’ll figure it out. They’re professionals.
Or they can be completely dysfunctional like those Bronx Zoo squads & win a couple championships. Either works for me.
Why are people saying Twins win this trade? Yankees got better players in return.
We will see but at this point, what makes ANYONE think Donaldson can stay healthy? If he does, this is a good move for the Yankees, but tonight, I’d much rather be the Twins getting to dump all that salary. And now they get to move Sanchez to another team in the NL where he can be a DH. Let’s see what the Twins can get for him.
Dumping $50m off the books on Donaldson for the twins that’s how the trade was won by the twins it’s like the Mariners winning the Robinson Cano Trade with the Mets!!!
Who’s to say Donaldson will not be traded to a NL Team & become a DH also?
Maybe because he had recent seasons with 550 and 650 plate appearances. He’s not Aaron Hicks
Yanks taking on all the risk of Donaldson’s vsalary.
The Yankees come out ahead in terms of players for 2022, but quite possibly behind for 2023 (Donaldson is at that age where it could come any moment), at the cost of $40M that could’ve signed better free agents. I can’t see any argument for how they couldn’t have spent $40M better.
I’m sure Yankees pitchers are celebrating the deal right now though.
Analyzing just around Donaldsons salary is pretty silly since they acquired a solid SS which now helps them not have to commit crazy money and years to a FA at that position.
ikf could easily be an AS for the next 3 years. it’s pretty obv these will all be career years for him. the twins letting him go only to try and pay big money for story is silly stupid.. seems like every move made by the twins has been counter productive.
@kenphelpsformvp
He could EASILY be an all star? Based on what? He has never had an OPS of 700.
His WAR is solid but easily an all star is a stretch.
Because the players are only marginally better and Donaldson is owed $50 million. That is a lot of money to get a rich man’s Gio (Donaldson) and a stop gap at SS.
You’re underrating both players the Yankees acquired. It’s that simple.
Really like this for the Twins. Moved tons of money. Picking up young players that need a change of scenery. They’re doing some chess rn
Love this move for both teams. The Twins wipe Donaldson’s contract off the books while bringing back a capable Urshela. The Yankees, meanwhile, get a nearly 4-bwar shortstop in IKF to hold them over until Volpe is ready and can avoid the pressure of paying Correa $350m.
Garbage deal. Donaldson is always hurt
SS is key. Not much power but good glove, good contact. Multiple positions. Donaldson I think is in last year of contract. Given up Sanchez, probably DH for Twins. Looks like a set up for more moves. Ursula was good find. Sanchez a classic what if.
2 years contract left n buy out.
I totally disagree. Wait to you see the play of Urshela. While Donaldson has more power then Gio. You get power back with Sanchez. The Twinkies will win this trade. Gio is an excellent teammate.
Cashman did it again, if healthy, Donaldson an upgrade with power, KINER——a good shortstop for now, and capable utility piece in the future… Now need to assess what’s up with catching…
Padres might want Sanchez as a DH after missing out on Cruz
Can either of these players that the Yanks got in the trade , pitch?
They need pitching. After Cole, then what?
After Cole they have 5 more guys who can pitch to a 3 something era.
This trade benefits both teams but I think the Twins benefit more.
The Twins get a great defensive 3B and a DH/C.
The Yankees finally get a much needed good defensive SS but an injury prone/sometimes spectacular 36-38 year old 3B/DH.
It makes sense the Yankees next trade Gleyber Torres for a Catcher (Maybe TOR).
Although not much of a hitter, Ben Rotvedt looks like a great defensive, yet unheralded, Catcher.
Possible Drew Butera type. Could have a long career.
Twins get 50 million to spend elsewhere. Anything else is bonus.
Donaldson still rakes guess DJ moves over to first base unless they trade Torres.
Still rakes when he plays. Twins didn’t trade him because of lack of talent.
It’s ok to have an extra infielder! They don’t have to trade anyone. Which Yankee infielder played every game last year? They still might make more moves, but its ok to plan for one or more players to miss some games.
I love how so many people complained for 100 days that there was nothing happening—and when things happen—they complain even more.
Welcome to NY?
Welcome to MLBTR?
Will there be a Minnesota video tribute for IKF?
ditched the inconsistent Sanchez for Higgy, IFK and a defensive first catcher. replaced an Gio with an offense first 3b. Not sure the long term ramifications. I love IFK at catcher and SS but I hope this isn’t the big splash we were hoping for
The only thing that I can think is salary dump for Twins, but this trade is still stupid on both ends.
Twins FO better have a few more tricks up their sleeve if this is going to make sense
Bye bye Gary good riddance. Now let’s trade Torres and others for Olson
A’s want great prospects for Olson, not underperforming vets.
@ Hammerin what if Yankees throw in Andujar and Frazier opps I mean Voit.
Flip Jd to the jays. He’s never been happy since he left. Hung around TO in off season. Send back a catcher. Work from there
He was unhappy at the end with the Jays too.
Yankees win the trade IMO. They get a young 2nd round catching prospect and whatever they get from a 36 year old Donaldson
Twins won already no matter what. They realized they shouldn’t have signed Donaldson in the first place and moved his contract. For the Yankees to win Donaldson needs to be healthy and keep bat speed.
Yankees did not get better and took on $50 million of payroll. Lame.
Yes, they did! MUCH better and for $25M more or so spread over 2 years. If you don’t think that a massive upgrade at third and SS is not worth that, I just don’t know what to say.
It’s not as if the Yankees gave up much in value, so seems like a good deal. I doubt, however, a Higashioka/Rortvedt catching combo will be what the Yankees have planned for OD.
Contreras, maybe? Not sure who else would be available right now…
I hope there’s another catcher coming in @L99 because I’m going to horribly misspell both catchers’ names!
So long Gary. I’ll admit that I’ll miss you. And you, Gio.
I will certainly miss Gary if Higashioka.
Whoops…if Higgy is the everyday C. Not sure what happened there.
I guess this eliminates the Yankees as mystery team for Story and Correa.
I dunno. IKF may take Gio’s spot as UTL guy. But gaining Donaldson has put them right back in the same conundrum, except they have another backup C with IKF and a guy that can actually field a competent SS.
@Clip I see Torres flipping between 2B and SS. There is no way they can play Donaldson everyday. He’s going to DH some with Stanton. Or have Donaldson play some 1B??? DJ is going to be UTIL imo.
DJLM was originally signed several years back at a $12M AAV to be a high-rotation, super-utility type getting 5 starts a week across the infield. When they resigned him for at $15M AAV, it was to be a starter initially, but also recognition that he’d eventually go back to the high-usage, super-utility role. He’s basically a plug-and-play type of guy, which is valuable. So that’s what he seems to be targeted for now. At least that’s my guess.
Contreras is I have wanted all along but is he even available and if so what would it take? I wouldn’t mind Contreras and Hendricks
@mlbnyyfan- yes, Hendricks is one of the most underrated pitchers I’ve ever seen. Contreras would be the perfect Yankee. Deivi, German, Voit, Andujar, and Hicks for Hendricks and Contreras. As a fan of both teams, I love this trade for both sides.
I can’t see the Cubs biting on this proposal. Voit, Andujar, and Hicks are IL-prone and not cheap. Deivi is a mystery right now. German is a backend starter.
That’s what I thought about the Twins right after they acquired the same needed SS
Yeah, I like Contreras, but his D has suffered a bit. Offensively, he’s like Sanchez (final season totals) but more consistent. I’ve always liked Contreras though and think he would be a great replacement for Sanchez. At least he doesn’t look lost on defense…….and offense……and walking toward the dugout.
I think IF the Yanks have a C in mind, knowing how Cash plans, that deal is already in the works and was prior to the Twins trade. That’s how Cashman operates. Very deliberate.
One thing I don’t get: they won’t spend money on FAs we need, but we take on a Josh Donaldson contract we don’t need? Just… baffles me sometimes.
Donaldsons contract is only for two more years. All the players left in free agency that can move needles expect much more
So what? Correa would be ending his deal at about the same age.
50 mil for a players last two years instead of a little more for a great player at a position you don’t already have covered with two players is weird.
Gio and DJ to Donaldson doesn’t feel huge to me.
IKF to Correa seems gigantic.
This is bananas and creative. I need more time to process it, but I like it for the Yanks.
Von;
I wrote for the past 2 years that the 3 most important defensive positions in order are: 1) C, 2) SS, and 3) CF. The Yankees sucked at all 3 – yet for some reason their fans thought they were a shoo-in for the WS.
Getting rid of Sanchez will make the pitching staff better – no matter who they find to Catch. They got a stop gap SS. Maybe they’ll play the youngster in CF.
Fact is that the Hal and Cashman painted the team into a corner. They have too many overpaid veteran contracts that they cannot move (and they just took on another one). They are at where the Jays were 4-5 years ago – can only hope to rebuild the farm system and wait for the veterans contracts to expire. In he meantime they’ll try to be decent.
Great points as usual, Samuel.
Von;
This is why the Phillies are so confusing…..
Contracts they have with Harper, Realmuto, Wheeler, and others are NOT bad contracts. But as you mentioned earlier today – they need to win now. At the same time, they do need to get younger, and they have to fix that D. In their case it’s all on coaching the younger guys up.
What great points? I’m a Yankee fan, we were hopeful but most of us didn’t think they were shoo-ins last year.
Cf wouldn’t have been bad defensively if Hicks played and IKF is a huge upgrade. He’s not playing the outfield lol
@Samuel Their farm system is already good. Would have been great if they didn’t trade for Rizzo and Gallo.
Glad Sanchez is finally gone; the guy should’ve been traded or non-tendered two seasons ago. Probably the laziest catcher I’ve ever seen. He had a clutch home run two or three times a year which was his only redeemable quality.
Not even the Yankees’ pitchers wanted to pitch to him. Lot of them preferred Higashioka as their preferred catcher and that speaks volumes to how lousy they felt about Sanchez’s ability to call games and play C.
As for Urshela, I’m a bit sad he’s gone but I don’t think he would’ve replicated his 2019 season as we all know the ball was juiced.
Twins clean the page of a bad contract.
Donaldson – another guy that strikes out a ton. I am glad Sanchez is gone but don’t think this was a deal that made sense for either team. Urshela was clutch – will be missed. Just don’t get it
You’re gonna love Donaldson in the bronx.. he’ll be one of your best hitters, especially playing half a season in that stadium.
Donaldson struck out 114 times last year, and waked 74 times… that’s not nearly as bad as you made it sound. Donaldson is definitely an upgrade over Gio at 3B, and IKF is a damn good defensive SS that will hit for contact and steal about 20 bases or so. By itself, this trade opens up a large hole at starting catcher (unless you truly believe Higgy/Rortvedt are going to be the catchers for the Yankees) and doesn’t make perfect sense for the Yankees… but there has to be more moves on the way, and when it’s all said and done (whatever else is on the way, I’d expect another 2-3 moves or so) it’ll probably (hopefully) make more sense to me.
What a massive downgrade at catcher for the Twins. From a solid defender and good bat to hands of stone
If he is their starting catcher. If he is still a twin in April.
I don’t hate this move at all for the Yankees. One, I know the Yankees are not done making moves, two, they just got much better defensively, three, I don’t think it was the Yankees hitting that cost them.
Heck, getting a catcher who can keep runners from advancing on pass balls alone improves this club. Then you have done gloves in that infield now.
Cashman never ceases to amaze with creativity. We’ll see if Donaldson plays like he did for ATL a couple years back. If he does, wow!
I’m sorry, but anybody who says this is a terrible deal for the Yankees doesn’t know baseball. As a Jays fan, I’m telling you, Donaldson will hit bombs left and right in that Yankees stadium. Falefa is a sure handed shortstop which they needed…
Donaldson is another premier bat to add to that lineup. And if he’s in form, he could be as good as anyone in that lineup.
It’s a fantastic trade for the New York Yankees … what did they give up .. Gio Urshela? Average as h3ll and Gary Sanchez. While the Yankees also got a catching prospect.. it’s a flat out fleecing by the New York Yankees and it made their team a whole lot better… Donaldson in that ball park? That’s scary. It’s an amazing trade for them.
Congrats to the Yankee fans, they should be extremely happy about this deal. They gave up nothing but Urshela, Sanchez is useless at this point. And Donaldson is 10x the player Urshela is.
Agreed, although the Twins do benefit by moving Josh’s big contract. That’s the only reason they did the deal.
@Hammerin, and yes, that also makes sense for the Twins.
Donaldson is expensive and has injury concerns. Wouldn’t be surprised if he spends half the year on the IL.
That’s cool. He’ll probably still hit 20 homers…
Hitting homers isn’t impressive in the era of 3 true outcomes. Gallo will hit at least 25 and a lot of Yankee fans want him gone.
My point was that it’s ok if he doesn’t play 162. The exaggeration on here about his “injury history” are an overreaction.
The guy can still be a good player for two years and I love his intensity.
What they gave up was 50 mil for the last two years of his career.
The difference in cost between him and Correa over that period is really small.
The key term there is “over that period”
I’m glad they didn’t sign Correa.
With the ability to absorb more salary than the Twins, it could be possible that Donaldson could be flipped quickly for someone like a Contreras. Why give prospects when you can absorb a few million for two years or so?? I see more teams willing to trade for JD from the Yanks than Twins because of that ability.
I just don’t see Donaldson working out in NY. He has to stay healthy and I don’t see it. This has to be the first move in a series of moves.
Gio will be fine in Minnesota. Good pick up on their end. I always liked Sanchez but the problem was you were constantly waiting on the edge of your seat for this guy to explode and it never happened. For the Twins, he’d be a lot easier to flip than JD.
You mean Willson Contreras? What would the rebuilding Cubs want with Donaldson? That’ll never happen.
I needed a name. It could be anyone, not necessarily him. The focus was on the ability to absorb more money.
I highly doubt the cubs trade for Donaldson and if they trade Wilson it will likely be for some young upside guy in his late teens not a bunch of failed prospects currently residing on the roster.
Two things.
I’m a huge JD fan it’s going to hurt seeing him in pinstripes even if he’s past his prime, still a good player.
What the heck are the twins doing? Feels like they put way too much weight on getting out of the JD contract and got a pretty weak return when they are apparently still trying to be competitive ??
Yeah … I think JD makes the Yankees a whole lot better. And they got their sure handed SS. It’s going to be a problem for our Jays. Damn.. the division got a lot tougher imo.
Mario: This is great to hear as a Yankee fan. It’s tough looking at it from our position objectively because we see the inherent weaknesses with the move; but you all will naturally look to the strengths of the move and how it could hurt you when we play.
What weaknesses?
The only downfall is JD’s age and contract, which who cares? Yanks have money, it won’t handcuff them the way it did the wins.
The yanks got the 2 best players in this trade. It’s so confusing I keep refreshing to see if it’s updated to include a prospect
@Yankee Clipper It’s scary .. Adding JD to a lineup that has Judge and Stanton and Voit. It’s a headache already. May not be what he once was, but he’s still a true professional hitter. Has a great eye, gets on base, and can hit the ball all over the field. He’s a big game player, is great defensively. He’s fiery. Lol… he strikes fear in my heart him being a Yankee I’ll tell you that much. Mean that sincerely. I think this made the Yankees true contenders.. They got a real alpha with Donaldson.
Dusty: Alrhiugh you’re right, keep in mind, they *don’t* though. Money, especially the nearly $18M AAV it will cost them is going to be a big impact in their spending, just like any other team, except LAD, Mets, & SD. If Hal has shown one thing of late it’s that the Yankees do have a cap. The other perceived weakness here for me is that in order for IKF to truly be max value they must land Olson (or Freeman). So, the effectiveness of this move is directly impacted by the next move because IKF is not a starting SS on most teams – his bat doesn’t compensate enough for the defense, which is not bad, but not great.
The Yanks have added more variability in their 22 season. Another Player in JD who could give them 3.5-4War or miss a big chunk with injuries. A ton of injury risk on this team .
Sounds like Canada just got a whole lot of Yankee fans. Maybe Cashman can get David Price, and trade them Donaldson and Price for Bichette and Hernandez and Manoah. Fans in Canada might love it!
Twins cleaned $25MM a year for a 700-800 OPS guy off their books, which is a nice move for them. But they traded down at C by all accounts to do it.
Yet Donaldson was injured off an on? As twins fans love to say. Allow him to be healthy, let him get his rythm. When he was healthy with the Braves he was one of the best hitters in baseball still.. at his age. True professional hitters are a rarity.. Donaldson is exactly that.
I think Sanchez could be a great rebound candidate getting out of New York. He will have way less pressure on him in Minnesota and the guy has shown flashes of greatness with the bat in the past.
Michael Pineda went there and rehabbed himself so it seems like a thing between these 2 clubs.
Just let him be who he is.
“A catcher that hits like Manny Ramirez” was always impossible to live up to. But he knocks the snot out of the ball & still has that big arm.
His BA will be ugly. His OPS will not.
No. He won’t be winning a Gold Glove. But for his career he is at -6 DRS. So – despite the popular narrative – his glove really won’t kill you.
At his best, he is an All Star caliber player.
But a struggling Gary Sanchez might be the most difficult player I have ever forced myself to watch. It gets ugly. & he seems to carry a bad AB or defensive miscue with him well after it’s over.
But: along with some brilliant managing by Joe G, Gary damn near dragged us to the WC game all by himself in ’16. & in ’17 he & Judge were a true force.
Best of luck to Phat Sancho. The NY media just killed this kid. But – hey – that’s the 4th estate for ya.
Why do the Yankees hate left handed hitters?
Donaldson can still hit, but the Twins regretted this contract because of his age, health, and price…. It’s frustrating to watch long term deals like his get routinely handed out when the final seasons/terms don’t logically add up… Twins lineup can really hit, but they need more pitching
4 dimensional chess. What is going on? There has to be a Storyline here somewhere.
IKF hit .270 with Texas. If he hits .270 in THIS lineup and plays above average SS the deal is a steal.
Good luck with that. Go look at Mark Teixeira’s production in NY after leaving Texas. You’ll get a good glove, but probably not .270 or better.
Bizarre comparison.
Seriously, not even the same parks for either team.
This is pure speculation but is it possible the Twins are clearing the books to take a legit run at signing Carlos Correa?! They still have a need at shortstop.
I doubt it. I think they spread the savings from Donaldson on value players.
You know, it would go against what the Twins organization would normally do, but I’ve been sitting here thinking the same thing. Correa would be great for Minnesota. He’s always hit well in that park and he’s a great on the field leader which that team could use. They could pay him $300M plus and still not have a team payroll over $140M. On the other hand, Correa wants to win and the Twins starting pitching might be too suspect, even with Sonny Gray, for him to agree to go there.
The Althetic is reporting that the Twins are deep into talks with Trevor Story.
Well this comment aged well! Pats self on the back.
@Moneyballer
I 100% discounted your original comment.
Well played.
Clear win for the Twins just for getting out from Donaldsons contract.
You won’t be so sanguine once you’ve seen Sanchez behind the dish.
A coup for the Yankees. They got a still elite 3rd baseman, a potential star shortstop and gave up a flash in the pan Urshela and a catcher it seems like they consider non-tendering every year. Just a flat out steal for a win now Yankees team.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This guy gets it!
Donaldson’s terrible now and can’t stay on the field. You must have been asleep the last couple years.
JD is probably a 3 WAR player still.
Overpaid and aging yes, but far from terrible
People always like to say that $20 million a year guys who play like $10 million a year are worthless. Oh well. The real question is Donaldson an upgrade from Urshela at this point. Probably. The disappointment for Yankees fans is that this trade would appear to mean they are no longer in on Story or Olson.
Terrible? Go back to watching basketball
JD put up a 3.2 WAR last year. Urshela 0.6. Take your choice.
Yeah, this, in combination with whatever trade is coming, is likely going to be a really good trade for the Yankees, my hyperbolic statement above aside. Donaldson has real power and hits about as well as Urshela, but the keys to this trade being effective, are going to be the following moves, which will have a multiplier effect on this one (ie, IKF at SS with Olson’s bat at 1B, or Story, Rizzo, JD, DJL as the IF & IKF the UTL guy).
And of course, now we get to have a real C, which means the good rotation from last year gets even better.
The Yankees will be trading with the Padres real soon is my guess.
@Kevin Johnson
Donaldson is far from elite and after jettisoned Voits contract they could have had 27 year old Correa at short. Instead they have two 32 year Olds at 1st and 3rd
This has a Torres trade written all over it… Dj at 2b and Olson or Rizzo at 1b Donaldson and Stanton go back and forth at DH with Gallo and judge as well. This is a solid move… it gives us depth power and options. Good deal. And NO. One saw this coming
Torres trade – to who? Who wants Torres? He is not that bad, but I don’t see a team looking for his package.
Gleyber should notify MLB if teams are looking for his package.
Nobody wanted Sanchez either but Cashman still managed to get rid of him
Might as well have been a three way trade with the Rangers then. Weird.
Ben rortvedt is built like a pro wrestler. He can probably hit a ball over the right field porch with his bicep
5’10: and 205 lbs.???
And probably 4% body fat. Look up pics of his muscles lol
Dude, I Googled exactly what you said: “Nude pics of rortvedt‘s muscles”
The results were offensive. And I trusted you!
Nice to see this site embracing the homosexual community….
UGH
I guess they achieved something by offloading Donaldson’s contract, but by bringing Urshela back you have blocked Miranda with a low ceiling schlub. Oh so very Twins move.
Urshela is a nice player but he isn’t blocking anyone. You can’t block a better player at a minimal salary and average at best talent. He’s a perfect stopgap that can easily move to bench when Miranda is ready.
Twins are gonna use that savings and sign Trevor Story. Sources from the Athletic say the Twins are deep into talks with Story. Please can we get this one done Twins….PLEASE!!!
Twins used the savings to sign Sonny Gray.
Gray is not making that kind of money
We should get Puig next to room with Donaldson who I’m betting gets in a fight with Stanton
Yankees not about to let the Mets be the oldest starting roster in baseball.
Story to the Twins , it’s gonna happen. Just makes sense.
That Story won’t be written.
Hah – Story in my book would be kind of like Donaldson, in that he is a guy the Twins got because everyone else knew better. Though he is younger and less injury prone at least….that 2021 season and leaving Colorado are big red flags for a guy who probably wants top 20 money
Steal for the Yankees. Sanchez can’t hit.
And that’s by far his best quality.
Not true! Check your facts, man. Sanchez hit……once…..in…..2017?
Yankees currently have 42 on their 40-man roster. They added JD, IKF, Roverdt, and Locastro and dropped Gio and Sanchez today. We should fully expect more moves coming.
Donaldson brings a lot more loud contact than Urshula while IKF is being acquired for his defense and versatility, he also puts the ball in play. That’s a nice element at the bottom of the order.
Who cares about money? Maybe Cohen and the backpage wars has lured Hal’s self imposition into 250-270 territory.
Kiner-Falafa is more valuable than people even think….Position Versatility is huge. And for the record, even though it was in 2018, he had a ..996 fielding% at the catcher position…. …and threw out 50% of attempted steals…..HHmmmmmmm…..
Yes and a 10 rds last year at short stop. He can save a lot of runs.
Love it! Baseball is back. This is a great blockbuster giving us plenty to gripe, moan and/or cheer about!
Remember this headline in the New York Post?
“Josh Donaldson calls out Gerrit Cole amid MLB cheating saga”
Great move. Ditch an economical dugout favorite (Urshela, he who runs into dugouts after foul balls) to import a notorious animosity against your $324M ace for the amazing low price of $50 million for a 36-year-old who’s missed 174 days with calf injuries since 2017.
A Cashman specialty: Old? Check. Right-handed? Check. Oft-injured? Check. Slow on the basepaths? Check. Expensive? Check.
Urshela is six years younger, under team control for two more years, and is making only $6.55M in 2022.
Since 2020, Donaldson’s been worth 3.1 fWAR. Urshela’s been worth 2.6 fWAR. bWAR liked Donaldson more at 3.8 to Gio’s 2.6. Whatever. Fangraphs put Donaldson’s two-year dollar value at $24.5M and Gio’s at $20.8M. And Donaldson’s worth $16,450,000 more in 2022?
Kiner-Falefa is taxed with -6 Outs Above Average at short since 2018 and credited with +19 OAA at third.
Playing guys out of position — another Cashman specialty.
There’s no learning with this guy. None.
Oh, and for you guys cheering the departure of Sanchez — he’s 12th in fWAR among catchers since 2020. Who’s catching now? Higgy?
Oops! My bad. Sanchez is 12th since 2018. 27th since 2020. But the question stands: who’s the starting catcher? Cashman had better get one, don’tcha think?
This move was, pure and simply, to get IKF. And we paid $50M for him w/ Urshela.
A) This is a good move potentially, IF it’s complemented by Olson, Story, & C. Or;
B) This is a horrible move if it’s anything less than a Olson or Freeman & C to supplement it (we can do without Story at SS, but for it to be a great move we need a true FT SS, imo).
We await Cashman’s next move….
I don’t think you’re entirely correct. I think IKF is a stopgap or temp insurance for the shortstop prospects. I think the Yanks would love to trade for Olson and probably Sean Murphy too. Torres might work as the key piece but the A’s will still want a gang of prospects to come with him and not low end ones.
“…trade for Olson and probably Sean Murphy too…” Wouldn’t that be something.
@Yankee Clipper: I like how @bigjon thinks!
Right on, DBF! He’s an upstate NY kid if I recall correctly too, man. Perfect fit. But man, that would decimate our farm…’like a tornado through a trailer park.
Well you know me & the farm: could give af.
I actually wouldn’t be surprised if Cash thinks our catchers are on the roster already.
I completely disagree.
Gio was great for the Yankees but this is a steal. First off, you have no idea what the Yankees plans are. Donaldson will probably DH at times and KF might see time at 3rd base and even if he plays SS, it’s a huge upgrade over Gleyber. And now they don’t have to commit big money to a FA SS!
As for catcher, do you really think the Yankees are going into the season with only the current catchers? It’s the Yankees!
I feel too many people simply look at stats. Any Yankee fan will tell you that it was time for Gary to go, and Donaldson can bring a toughness the Yanks could use.
Would the Cubs trade Contreras to the Yankees? What would the return be?
Two possibles: Voit to DH and first, and the return of Gleyber Torres. On second thought, scratch Torres, there’s no spot for him in Chicago. Probably some pitchers would be involved. I don’t know who. Maybe Green?
Lol the Cubs couldn’t use Gleyber Torres?
That’s a good one!
I’m not a Cubbies follower, but I thought their trade for Madrigal was supposed to be a big acquisition. If he’s the starting second baseman, where would Torres play? Not shortstop, that’s for sure. Short and second are the only positions he’s ever played in the majors except five games at DH, and he played only 23 games at third in the minors.
Gleyber isnt a good defensive shortstop but he’s better than the two middle infielders the Cubs have.
They just acquired Andrelton Simmons to play short. He was fifth in Outs Above Average last year. Nick Madrigal and Nico Hoerner both hit over .300 last year, and the Cubs’ infield ranked fourth in Outs Above Average last year.
I believe they will want pitching. I could see Gleyber returning if they’re interested. But, by most accounts they want young pitching, which, coincidentally, the Yankees have in excess.
I could see any combo of:
Gleyber / German
Luis Gil / Abreu
Garcia / German / Abreu
Gleyber / Waldichuck
Honestly, it could take many different shapes. It’s hard to predict because C is at a premium, but it’s only 1 year of Contreras, and young, controllable SP is at a premium as well. I just threw a few out that I think would get a serious discussion started. If they were in on Voit for DH, add him to any/all the above too. Some may need to be adjusted a bit, but it’s a good base for the trade nonetheless.
I think German’s low cost and team control through 2024 would boost his value somewhat, although his ERA+ is sub-par. I’d rather deal German than Gil, Abreu or Waldichuck, but the Cubbies might see some value in German’s starter experience. If they’d take Voit, all the better. They’d be gambling on a guy who can’t stay on the field, but maybe with a DH slot to fill, they’d figure he could stay healthy.
Several times over the last couple of weeks I’ve thought MLB Trade Rumors has a better write-up on a story than the Athletic has. This is yet another example. Kudos to a free site for outperforming a paid site.
I love everything about this deal!!
The Yanks also have Team Debt Payments and have to try to sell preseasons to a host of disgruntled corporate baseball enthusiasts. Donaldson creates an instant buzz. Bet I could buy a Yankee Donaldson jersey at this very moment.
Yanks have a rich tradition of picking up aging superstars…Reggie Jackson was 31, Enos Slaughter was 38, Griffey Sr. at 32, David Justice at 34, etc., etc.
The Yankees Back Office, aka, Goldman Sachs, know what they’re doing. Bomb or not bomb, when the stat’s come out, the buzz is over and all the pre-sales are in the bank.
wait for it. this was part 1 of a multi team trade. Oakland is next.
Josh Donaldson
Most Similar by Ages
Aaron Boone (969.1)
Fascinating
Upon a night’s reflection:
I think Higgy/Rortvedt may very well indeed be the plan at C for ’22. If that is really the case, then we are definitely going to need another bat or two.
I think we see a free agent signing next. We did some things yesterday. (Most notably filled SS.) But we’ve not addressed lineup balance yet. Nor have we added a stabilizing force to the rotation.
As 1B is the most straightforward way to achieve some lineup balance, I think we see something like Rizzo brought back. & soon.
Hi Ducky,
Would you be content with trading away Torres, Voit, and a prospect for Matt Olsen?
And also, are you happy that the Yankees got rid of Gary finally because I am lol
Good morning, Yanks2.
Yeah. Yeah, I would do that. Though I think the path of least resistance there would be to just bring back Rizzo. No prospect cost & just a few mil more in AAV this season.
Mixed bag for me.
I am as disappointed in Gary Sanchez as anyone on the board. Yet the stark reality is: we are not as good at catcher this morning as we were yesterday. Hoping to see more work done behind the plate for us yet. Although that is much easier said than done.
I can see Voit a good prospect and a couple of solid prospects getting an Olson deal done. It works for the A’s financially and filling their roster. Voit makes $7 million less than Olson.
I don’t see the A’s taking Torres. We can see why the Cubs had no problem moving him.
Voit has very little value. Steadily declining towards mediocrity. A team might bite on Torres but he’s not any better. Another player on a steady decline. Why would teams want these guys? Sure, the Twins took two slugs, but they dumped a 36 year old making $25 million a year. Easy choice for them to make.
Voit hits. The problem is that left knee.
& – although his value has declined – Gleyber still possess the ceiling of an All Star caliber player.
As such, BBTV places their aggregate value at around $15 mil. They – like Gary Sanchez (the centerpiece that just got us Josh MF Donaldson) – do absolutely have some value. No matter how much you mets fans want to downplay it.
The Mets players who are available don’t have much value either. That’s why they’re available.
& this highlights one of the main differences between us. & probably Yankee & mets fans everywhere. I really don’t know – nor do I care – about the mets players available.
That is not on my radar at all.
Outside of a good lolmets joke I care not at all about them.
That’s what made 1969-1970 so cool. Mets, Jets and Knicks. New York was pretty happy to root for all three, along with the Rangers. Then along came the hatred. Islanders, Nets started winning. Yankees got good again. Giants, well, not so much. It was nice while it lasted.
I don’t get this move at all for the Yankees they are now adding $50 million to a guy that not only could bring toxic to the clubhouse with his past comment on cole but pushes the Yankees payroll to $242 million as this proves yet again that Brian Cashman does not know how to allocate the payroll. He brings in another aging player that happens to bat right handed. Why not gauge some interest in Jose Ramirez to see what a package would have taken to land him as well as Olson. Selling Gio does make sense to sell him while he still has value something he should have done with Gary Sanchez and Luke prior but I would have thought Gio could have been good to go to the A’s or Cleveland not the Twins. Now those that wanted Gary out of the Yankees have their wish but Higgy is even worse and will be exposed quickly unless this means the Yankees getting Wilson Contreras which again will not solve the 1st base & CF issues. Peraza will be traded and I hope its for Olson and Yankees may give up on Torres next to bring Olson to the Yankees unless they somehow get someone to take up on DJ.
@dimelotitony
Why are you assuming he hasn’t already had many conversations re ramirez and Olson? I suspect you would hate what it would take to get either.
Higashioka is light years better of a defensive catcher than Sanchez. The Yankees’ pitchers didn’t even want Sanchez as their primary catcher because he was that bad.
I think it’s a loss from Minnesota considering they also had to give up garver for IKF
Was never a fan of sanchez. Going to miss urshela. But I see opportunity for higashioka to play hes a quiet bat and a sure defender.
Don’t get too attached. I highly suspect they’re getting a real catcher now. Higgy is not a full time backstop.
Higi caught 66 games last year. Im sure he will be able to catch at least 100 games. And his pitch calling with the pitchers is great. Can certainly help the pitching staff. It was much better than sanchez calling a game.
This move was made for the sole reason of getting rid of sanchez. To do it, they had to take back something they didn’t want, and lose something they didn’t want.
This is a HUGE addition by subtraction move. They had to get rid of sanchez. He was hurting the team, he was a disgruntled, poorly hitting catcher with abysmal defense.
They could’ve just non-tendered Sanchez but for whatever reason they didn’t
Um what is cashman thinking. Jesus. Smdh
I’ve heard of win-win trades, but this honestly seems like a lose-lose. Minnesota gave up a starting caliber Catcher, SS And 3B to get back an older catcher and less productive 3B. And the Yankees got Donaldson, who his negative impact to clubhouse balance can’t be undersold, especially with his history with Cole.
There is no doubt that the trade is setting up another trade. I’m guessing Oakland is sending Murphy and Olsen to the Yankees for a package, including Gleyber. That puts DJ back at 2nd, where he belongs. They still need that super utility player, like Tyler Wade was last year.
Great move, Donaldson is a star player who can hit in the clutch, and Falefa is a major defensive upgrade for the pitching. I can’t wait to hear Sterlings home run call for him! That is if he hits one this year. Fangraphs has the Yanks projected at 53.1 now which is #1., but as Sterling says, you can’t predict baseball Susan.
Seems like a win win trade to me. Yankees dump Sanchez and get Donaldson who seems to thrive in pressure environments. Much better competitive attitude although may cause issues in the clubhouse. Twins create $14MM in room assuming they may have that ear marked to make another move.
If the Yankees could welcome Roger Clemens, I don’t think “The Bringer of Rain” will be a clubhouse issue. He’s a pretty articulate guy who is a pro and plays angry. I can root for that.
IKF joins DJL as a Swiss army knife. It’s still not out of the question that one of the kids makes the team at short, too. Maybe not Volpe, but we have a bunch.
I don’t know much about the catcher, but I know a whole lot about Gary Sanchez. A prime bounce back candidate? Who knows.
Gio I’ll miss. Nice story for a 4A player who busted out pretty big. He was never going to be the SS because of the very limited range he showed at third, but the guy brought it every day. You wonder how much COVID affected him, as well as Rizzo.
I’m on board with Ducky, Clip and the countless others that believe this trade was not in a vacuum, that there is more to come in the next couple of days, including some peripheral 40 man roster stuff. Cash has always tried to be the smartest guy in the room. This is his SAT test.
The only drawback on this deal for the Yankees is gets the team older and adds a vet that does get a lot of nagging injuries. The DH role seems to be dominated by Stanton already as he is good to miss time. For taking all of Donaldson’s salary you would think they could have gotten something else in the deal. The good news it is only 2 years left at $25 million per.
For the Twins this all comes down to what do they do with the freed up salary. They have some young players that may be able to take over. Miranda looks like a phenom but is he Gavin Lux the 2nd. Great AA/AAA breakout only to face plant out of the gate in the majors?
I wonder if this means DJ is getting traded.
DJ is not going anywhere, at least this year. If he has another year like last year, maybe they might move him next off-season.
As a Tiger fan I absolutely love seeing Sanchez in Minnesota for 18 games. Gary Sanchez is the most overrated player in the American League.
Unless he is on one of his roles. In which case, you won’t be all that happy. When Gary gets hot he is an absolute terror at the plate.
Unless he is on one of his roles.
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I remember the start of 2021, with 2 HRs in two days. The NY press couldn’t write enough articles about his “comeback”. then he had a .483 OPS the rest of the month. Then he had a 1.079 from 5/27-6/30. Then he went silent for the rest of the season.
He’s a bit like JBJ, where you can’t pay attention to the day-to-day stats.
Don’t under-estimate the motivation that a new contract creates. He has three seasons of 3+ bWAR in his resume. Given his recent past, I wouldn’t be surprised at 30 HRs. And he really needed to get out of NY at this point.
Yessir.
I’m happy he will get a fresh start. I wonder how things would have gone for him if his debut hadn’t been so loud. The expectations of the NY media & fan base were completely unfair. & the narratives surrounding him unfounded, inaccurate, & oftentimes just simply ill spirited.
Interesting to see all the “now we need a catcher” takes, uh?
Same as the Red Sox press. They almost all have group-think. If one is negative, they will all copy or exceed. I remember Mastrodonato saying he hated Dalbec, after his outstanding rookie year. Why? Because he didn’t fit his definition of a good hitter. In NY, the writers do the same thing with guys like Gallo and Sanchez.
They don’t understand the concept of OPS included HRs. HRs are slightly inferior to OBP, but that doesn’t mean they have no value. There is a huge value in having a 30+ HR hitter in the 6-hole. That’s the 3-run HR slot right there.
I like this both ways.
In two days, the Twins switch from Garver to Sanchez, which is a slight loss, and downgrade at 3B, but with a huge cost savings.
The Yankees downgrade their offense and upgrade their defense. It pushes them to a new level on the payroll, and does nothing for their CF issue.
OTOH, they didn’t have any near-term 3B solutions, so Donaldson is an okay fit. And more importantly, IKF is a perfect fit at SS, with Volpe coming up in June 2023. And this makes DJ a more valuable piece. With Donaldson’s and Voit’s injury history, DJ could play 2x a week, 2x at 3B, and 1x at 2B,
How did they downgrade their offense?? The biggest takeaway from this was that the Yankees added payroll. Sanchez was gone after this season anyway. Gio was a good player for the Yankees, and a fan favorite but the team over the last few years just wasn’t getting it done in the post season. I believe more trades are coming this week.
Y4L
How did they downgrade their offense??
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Donaldson > Urshela
IKF > no one
Rortfeld < Sanchez
Using BR projections, they add (.802+.682+.672) or .718. They gave up (.767+.733) or .750. Without knowing who was going to replace the SS numbers, I can't say for certain, but at 3B + Catcher, they are certain downgraded their offense.
I really liked Gio but it’s amazing we have people here that think he’s better than Donaldson.
Is it just an anti- Yankee thing?
On a side note, without the Yankees, I wonder what this does to the SS situation. The numbers of teams looking at Correa and Story might be reduced to Boston, Philly, Astros and the Cubs. Could be a game of dominos at this point.
Never count out the Nats when it comes to Boras clients.
Trade is about even. Donaldson won’t play 100 games. ISF and Urshela is a wash. Sanchez will suck again. Yankees took on the money which may limit further moves a bit.
Wrong, it actually frees them up. No long term commitment at SS.
Nope, not a wash. Gio can hit, and Kiner-Falefa is rated a negative defender at short by OAA. Since 2019, Gio’s been good for 5.7 fWAR. IKF has been good for 2.0 fWAR.
Baseball fan: the Yankees are a joke because they have so many long term contracts. Donaldson is an injury concern
Same baseball fan: the Yankees need Correa or Story. (Long term contracts with injury concerns)
Story is 29 and missed a total of 40 days to injuries since 2017.
Donaldson is 36 and missed a total of 207 days since 2017.
Wonder if issiah kinner-felefa was still with the rangers. If the Yankees would’ve gave up sanchez and urahela still?
What a joke
Leave it to the Yankees to trade for an expensive 36 year old player.
i don’t give a crap if the yankees won the trade or not, i’m waiting to see what sterling does with the home run calls
prediction for JD:
“josh!!! by gosh i think he’s done it!!!”
prediction for IKF:
something vaguely offensive relating to his hawaiian heritage i.e. “poi oh poi did hit he that one!!!”
prediction for rortvedt (assuming he actually hits a home run):
“don’t be upset!!! it’s rortvedt!!!”
suggestions welcome
Clever lol .. maybe Josh donald trumps it
IDK, hate to see Gio go, guy was a stud for us. I really hope Josh Boy thrives. I feel Kinda Fellaffel about the whole thing.
If you feel awful about Falefa, a nice felafel might make you feel effa so much betta.
Clever lol .. maybe Josh donald trumps it
The Yankees getting rid of Gary Sanchez is addition by subtraction, but the same could be said of the Twinns moving James Donaldson with his contract albatross and bad clubhouse lawyer chemistry history.
Got rid of the worse catcher in baseball Gio and Gary combined contracts =18 million do the math Falefa gold gold glover 20 steals had more hits than any Yankee last year
nobody wanted Correa End of Story
Career .OPS of .670 and 84 walks in his career.
And his gold glove was for playing third base not shortstop.
Meanwhile they spent $41 million per year on a 32 and 36 year old corner infielders instead of $35 million on a 27 year old star shortstop.
Not much to write about? Unless I missed something, this is OLD news…