The Yankees have acquired first baseman/corner outfielder Jake Bauers from the Reds in exchange for cash, according to team announcements. He’s not on the 40-man roster and has been assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Bauers has appeared in parts of three big league seasons, suiting up with the Rays, Indians and Mariners. The left-handed hitter was a highly-regarded prospect, seen by many as a potential plus hitter based on the strength of his minor league numbers. Bauers hit for high batting averages and drew plenty of walks on his way up the ladder, and he appeared among Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list each season from 2016-18.
The California native has never carried over that success during a lengthy run against MLB arms, though. While he’s continued to draw walks at a strong 11.5% clip in the big leagues, he’s also fanned in 26.4% of his trips to the plate. Bauers hit 11 home runs in 96 games with Tampa Bay as a rookie, but he’s not made much extra-base impact in the seasons since then.
Seattle outrighted Bauers off their 40-man roster at the end of last season, at which point he elected minor league free agency. The 26-year-old caught on with the Reds via minor league contract, and he’s appeared in 29 games with their top affiliate in Louisville. Bauers has gotten off to a dreadful start there, hitting .135/.276/.271 with a 28.4% strikeout rate for the Bats.
Despite that slow start, New York decided to add Bauers as non-roster depth at the upper levels. He’s continued to show quality plate discipline, at the very least, and he’s only a few years removed from being seen as one of the better young bats in the minors.
Curious move.
“More to come”
Couldn’t have said it better myself…lol
Always with Cashman, always.
I was literally 2/3rds through a three mile run. Rizzo at first with Carpenter to back up. LeMahieu too, so no need on the big-league roster. Bird down in AAA. Why bring in Bauer. Makes me wonder if Bird or someone else had a June 1 opt out in Scranton that hasn’t been announced.
Bird is old news and never is going to re-capture that short lived lightning he had a few years ago…..this signing is call depth guys!
As always, Cash is hoping to catch a little lightning in a bottle while providing some depth at the highest level in the minors.
Yea Bird is an absolute non factor at this point. He’s finished.
Dietrich? He has been raking
Derek is not on the 40-man, so they would have to make a move for him to be added. That’s the problem with guys like Hicks, being owed $30M, & sucking horribly. He just soaks up both a 40-man & 26-man roster spot. He almost ran into Judge in the 1st Angels game too, which would’ve been catastrophic. Ugh, Aaron Hicks…..
I don’t want to see Dietrich, Bauers, Guzman or Bird on the MLB roster at the expense of Hicks. That’s not an endorsement of Hicks. It’s a non-endorsement of the others. :-).
Very LordD,
Perhaps the start of something else?
Likely a case of improving on the margins. In addition to Bird, they have Ronald Guzman playing 1B. They no doubt prefer Bauer if they need an emergency 1B’man. Or, maybe they believe he has more potential still. It’s curious simply because they traded for him. He wasn’t a waiver claim that I’m aware of.
Looks like a cash deal.
Wrong, looks like a *Cash* deal..lol.
Guzman has been doing pretty well in AAA, Volpe is heating up in AA. I do wonder about Peraza because he’s not nearly as consistent as last season, nor does he seem to have the power stroke.
Guzman has been horrible and is likely the one on the outs.
Just checked B-Ref, and Guzman’s batting on the interstate, and Bird and Dietrich are hovering weakly above the Mendoza line. In fact, most of the roster looks to be batting abysmally. I wonder how long manager Doug Davis and his batting coach are going to keep their jobs with an 18-31 record so far.
*recently, sorry. That little word makes a big difference. It appeared Guzman’s bat was starting to heat up. Volpe started slow, but was creeping upward of .285 last I checked, and started hitting a few HRs. I usually follow the PSA weekly minors update articles.
They’re all performing terribly though. All the prospects that were up-and-comers are nowhere to be seen this year.
Regardless, this is exactly why I e said time and again, you can’t rely on prospects to fill future positions when they’re inadequate now (CF/SS). Now, IKF has performed really well. In fact, I believe the metrics reflect his performance unfavorably (he’s better than what they show). But, with his bat, he a perfect utility guy (he should be Gonzalez).
But, Cashman & Boone have proven my criticisms wrong to this point, and thankfully so.
Willis Barre Scranton didn’t have a true 1B, minor league depth.
The next Mike Tauchman?
MLBTR really misspelled “Yankees trade Joey Gallo”.
To the reds?
Haha, that was exactly what I read as soon as I saw this, Joe. I don’t know that it’s any more than depth, honestly, but with Cashman and underperforming players, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Gallo is on his way somewhere else.
Yay.
Couldn’t happen to a better organization.
Reds are lucky they got anything. Terrible slash line at aaa
Because that’s what the Yankees have really been lacking, a slumping DH-type. Don’t they already have about 17 guys like this?
He will wear number 24 for Scranton
Dom Smith straight up for Joey Gallo, how would you all feel about that trade?
It still bugs me they signed Adrian Gonzales rather then give Dom a shot.
LGM: I could be off base in this assessment, but I don’t think I would because Gallo is GG-caliber, defensively (in RF). If I’m not mistaken, Dom was never that proficient defensively and didn’t have the power offensively.
I get the change-of-scenery trade suggestion, but I don’t know I would risk downgrading defensively for a {possible} offensive correction. Also, his OBP, power, and running all appear worse than Gallo’s.
So, knowing Cashman, I don’t believe would make that trade either, unless there was something else included.
Trust me, this is not an overvaluation of Gallo because Gallo suuuuuuucks since he came to the Yankees. I am a Gallo fan, but an objective one. I also readily admit, I probably place more emphasis on defense than others may.
So Dom was actually considered a potential gg winner in the minors… His defense hasn’t quite lived up to that billing but that’s in part due to inconsistent playing time at 1b
OF defense is for sure more valuable than 1b defense but also I’d imagine that if he played regularly at his natural position Dom would be a + dwar player
That’s interesting, I was not aware of that as I am only familiar with Dom from his MLB time. Would be interesting if he could get that defensive prowess back at 1B though.
I believe Gallo can turn the corner and perform. I believe in Joey Gallo.
Mets wouldn’t touch Gallo, he stinks.
I don’t understand the concept of trading an outfielder for a first baseman when the Yankees have a surplus of options at first as it is. Smith hasn’t hit since 2020, and he’s a terrible fielder if the metrics mean anything (and I’m not saying they do). The metrics say he’s bad at first and in the outfield.
From the Mets’ side, why would they take on more salary with Gallo and expect him to do better while still in New York City and under the pressure that goes with it, and in a park that wouldn’t reward him as much on fly balls to right field?
Also, while I have no statistical support for this, I suspect that Gallo’s home run power still gives pitchers pause when he’s at the plate. I don’t see Smith lengthening the lineup in any respect. I mean, do pitchers fear him?
No thanks, don’t need another DH.
Bobby C must need a new ride…
Yankees acquire Joe Girardi from Phillies.
Just looking at Joe I bet he could still catch too. Probably give these young bucks a run for their money.
+1 because I literally LOL’ed at your user name.
welcome to the team cheaper Joey Gallo
They head to Toronto in a couple weeks; bet this move is in anticipation of a few Q-anons not able to cross the border (just FYI, same rules apply for entry into US via airports as applies to entering Canada)…
@dano62- it has nothing to do with that. The Yankees are ALL vaccinated. No worries about Toronto either. Maybe, they can start winning in the 2nd half of the season?
In two weeks we will know what’s true…
you know they’ve already been to Toronto this season right?
Will it be any more true then the first trip to Toronto? Call me crazy but didn’t Q sweep that series?
You’re like Diogenes with a lantern looking for a non-vaxed “q-anon”under every rock. WTG, Karen:)
I’m not so sure that makes sense given everyone is vaccinated AND he’s *not* on the 40-man roster.
But, conspiracies are cool too.
Yankees acquire Jake Bauers for cash, man.
I see what you did there……and I like it.
Just glad it wasn’t a trade for him while he was still in Seattle. Otherwise a bunch of no nothing Mariners fans would be crying that they made a trade with the Yankees and we give them all our good prospects!
They really wanted Jack Bauer. But he is unavailable. Fictional. And overqualified.
False narrative!!! Jack Bauer is real, I saw the documentary with live footage, called “24.”
Not according to Dwight Schrute.
I never thought they could make me not care about missing all of the Yankee games.
But I appreciate that they aren’t making me regret it.
Emac: I get the sentiment, but they’re off to a start only seen 10 times since 1901, or whatever. Anything more specific?
I mean, I get sick when I see Hicks no-hustle a fly ball, or make terrible pitchers look like Pedro Martinez, and think about his guaranteed $40M still on the books, plus the wasted roster spot; I get aggravated seeing Joey Gallo act as a backup catcher while in the on-deck circle, only to strikeout with runners on & in scoring position; and watching Chapman throw HR sliders or FBs to the third row isn’t much fun either.
But, despite that, they’re having an awesome season. They’ve really got a good team. One or two key acquisitions and they would absolutely dominate.
I have no idea what the OP is talking about. This has been a fun team.
It’s not the start. The core of the team being so good is why what they’ve done since they started selling prospects for money last season is so unforgivable.
Gallo and Donaldson were just really stupid moves & not understanding how important the catcher is to a team is downright embarrassing.
Unfortunately I’m sure there won’t be any key acquisition and I can almost prove it. They don’t have the history of recognizing key players or a willingness to overpay for key players which is why they never get them.
I don’t have issues with Hicks or Chapman. But 15 million a year to cover your C, SS and CF so you can spend 25 mil on a 3rd baseman when you have two is an issue.
I want the Yankees to promote prospects, but not keep all prospects. Target the right ones to hold, and don’t be afraid to move the others. Most of the talent they traded had to be added to the 40-man roster, and there are only so many slots. The Gallo deal was bad from the start from my side, but mostly because Im not a Gallo fan, even before his bad NY run. Trading prospects for Taillon? More like that please. Prospects can help directly or indirectly through trades. I’m fine with both.
I guess I’m in the minority with Donaldson. A two year deal is short term and he remains an impact hitter (123 OPS+ even with a slow start and a cranky shoulder). I view him as a significant upgrade over Urshela. Gio would make great “looking” plays at 3B, but only because he has poor range to one side. He’d have to make a great play on balls hit that Donaldson makes look routine. Mostly though the Yankees have lacked some edge. He’s a bit of a pr*ck, and that’s an attitude these current Yankees need. I grew up watching Nettles, Munson and Piniella, and none of them were particularly nice to the opposition.
This team has a great rotation, led by three starters from their farm. I’m enjoying this team quite a bit. Even guys like Trevino. Great addition. Wants to be a Yankee. Always did. And seeing Banuelos make his Yankee debut a decade on tonight was fun. All he ever wanted to be was a Yankee. You can tell Manny and all his teammates were moved. They knew his story.
I wholeheartedly agree with your last paragraph, except one fact, brother: Trevino is elite defensively and is above MLB average (not catching, but all MLB) offensively. He’s 112 OPS+ and catchers typically hover around 85-89 (I think it’s even lower this year, perhaps 79?).
Sorry, this was to Emac ^^^
But, L99 is right about Tallion too. That guy has been ace-level for his last 18 starts, man. He’s been awesome.
Well said, LordD99.
I confess to being one who doubted the wisdom of replacing Gio with Josh, but I was wrong . . . at least so far. I was concerned about Donaldson’s age and injury history combining, but so far the injury bug hasn’t bitten very badly. He’s a better hitter, and, if you go by OAA (not saying you should, because defensive metrics are dubious, IMO), Josh has been easily the better defender this year. I don’t know how much the pr*ck factor contributes to his value, if at all, but there’s no metric for that so what do I know?
Complete agreement on everything else you said.
He’s had a great month but even with that great month his career is still down at 75.
Since you all are talking about it anyway, here’s a little snapshot of the Urshela v Donaldson debate as it’s ongoing…
pinstripealley.com/2022/6/3/23152827/yankees-mailb…
Emac: If that was to me, yeah, man, I get that, but my hope is the Yanks have unlocked something. Perhaps he’s getting the playing time he needs. But he’s been really good, nonetheless, and I’ll take him any day over Sanchez, even at a 75 OPS+ Because his defense is that good.
Enjoy it, man, Yankees over Mets in 3 this year! Mets will forfeit the fourth out of sheer embarrassment.
25 million on Donaldson when DJ could play there and we have such big holes is nuts.. It really has nothing to do with Donaldson or Gio. the 35 million owed Gallo and Donaldson was enough to fill a couple of big holes with really good players. Using it to make DJ a utility player & get an all or nothing left fielder when we were so close is just sad..
Trading prospects for starting pitching isn’t the same as trading them for cash. Oddly enough, that’s actually embarrassing. Getting Gallo in the same deal you’re dumping really good prospects so you don’t have to send out any cash was the ultimate addition of insult & injury.
But that’s old news and I’m not trying to ruin your experience. Awesome to see Manny back and successful!
I never thought Donaldson or Gio was a thing. It’s a donaldson vs Correa thing at the very least. You don’t compare guys making 25 million with guys making 6 million when you’re dealing with a budget because paying an extra 19 million at 3rd base means paying 19 million less somewhere else.
I’d take him over Sanchez too but I wouldn’t have taken 5 years to recognize that Gary wasn’t a catcher. Would Cash have even figured it out if Cole didn’t say get him away from me?
Enjoy it is right! Low budget Hal vs the no budget Met’s means we’ll be the Angels in 5 years.
matt carpenter proving once again that the yankees’ pro scouting department is insanely good. won’t surprise me at all if bauers makes a real contribution this year
That 11-pitch at-bat against Ohtani was really impressive. That set the tone for the game, man. What a great at-bat….reminiscent of Gardy.
The Yankees have had one of best pro-scouting groups dating back to when Eppler ran it. I was dismissive of the Carpenter signing at first, figuring they were just looking for a warm body while Stanton and Donaldson were out, but I realized that’s out of character with how the Yankees operate. If they signed him, they believe in him on some level. After watching him bat the last week, it’s clear Carpenter is not done. Be interesting to see how they incorporate him into the lineup once Stanton returns. They will need Stanton to take over again in RF when righties are pitching so Carpenter can DH.
True, Rob, same goes for Bauer’s too. They obviously see something there they fee they can capitalize on, and if successful, they’ve got an above-average hitter.
No surprise, can always use another bat.hopefully gallo at least in way out, and hicks to the bench.
Jack Bauer awesome special agent.
Yes, and he’s undercover as some weird actor named Keifer…. Of course that’s a cover, nobody names his kid Keifer. Perfect cover, perfect cover.
The Reds have a below average outfield and the Yanks are taking someone who couldn’t make it in Cincy?
It’s a fourth tier depth move. Don’t make too much of it.
Gallo and Hicks have been so bad this season Bauers could be seen as an improvement.
Not really. Bauer has been the worst of the three.
And they get this lug of deadwood and send down Miguel Andújar … stupid!