The Yankees have been hit hard by the injury bug this spring, particularly in the rotation. But general manager Brian Cashman downplayed the possibility of the club going outside the organization to get help, per Erik Boland of Newsday and Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Cashman said that “very little” is available on the pitching market at this time of year and that the Yanks will “rely on what we have.” While he did say they would explore other options, he admitted that tax penalties make it “less likely” they go with an external addition.
At this point, the rotation challenges are well known. The club lost their ace for the entire season and perhaps some of next year, with Gerrit Cole undergoing Tommy John surgery today. Luis Gil, last year’s Rookie of the Year, has a lat strain that could keep him out for roughly three months. Even deeper down the depth chart, JT Brubaker is out with broken ribs while prospect Chase Hampton also required Tommy John surgery.
That leaves the Yanks with a rotation of Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt and Marcus Stroman. Candidates for a fifth spot include Will Warren, Yoendrys Gómez and Brent Headrick, as well as non-roster invitees like Carlos Carrasco and Allan Winans. That could still be a solid rotation but it’s obviously less imposing without Cole or Gil. Cashman admits that the club “can’t afford to take too many more” injury hits.
That has led to speculation about how the club will respond. Free agency still features guys like Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, Spencer Turnbull and others. Guys like Dylan Cease, Jordan Montgomery, Taijuan Walker or Sandy Alcántara might be attainable via trade.
Cashman’s comments suggest he isn’t going to make a move just for the sake of doing one. It’s possible these comments were made for posturing purposes, as he wouldn’t be helping his bargaining position by admitting he’s desperate to bring in another arm.
However, it does seem as though the Yankees hit their spending limit. They were an on-paper fit for adding an infielder and were connected to guys like Jorge Polanco and Brendan Rodgers. Polanco landed with the Mariners on a modest $7.75MM guarantee while Rodgers settled for a minor league deal with the Astros. The Yankees were connected to various relievers this winter but invested very little in their bullpen. They added Devin Williams in a fairly cash-neutral deal that sent Nestor Cortes to the Brewers. They sent Jose Trevino to the Reds for Fernando Cruz, a deal that saved them money. They made modest one-year investments in Jonathan Loáisiga and Tim Hill.
RosterResource has the club’s payroll at $285MM and their competitive balance tax figure at $305MM. They finished 2024 at $303MM and $313MM in those categories respectively, but likely want to save some wiggle room for in-season additions. As Cashman alluded to, the club faces a high tax bill. As third-time payors above the $301MM top threshold of the CBT, they face a 110% tax on anything they add.
The pitching market has softened from earlier in the winter. Guys like Andrew Heaney and Jose Quintana have recently signed deals in the $4-6MM range, well below the expectations from the start of the offseason. But for the Yankees, giving someone like Gibson a hypothetical $5MM deal would actually cost them more than $10MM, when factoring in the taxes.
There’s also the question of what kind of performance can be expected out of a guy signing this late. Both Montgomery and Blake Snell signed well into spring last year and both struggled out of the gate. Snell got back on track in the second half but Montgomery never did, finishing the year with a 6.23 earned run average. Trading for a pitcher who is stretched out in some other club’s camp wouldn’t come with that concern but each of Cease, Montgomery, Walker and Alcántara have eight-figure salaries for the upcoming year, meaning the CBT hit would be even greater than the available free agent options.
It all makes for a tricky situation as the Yankees approach the start of the season. The rotation has clearly been hit and isn’t in an ideal place. Upgrades are justifiable on paper but Cashman can’t do much if ownership won’t extend his budget.
“$300M payroll is not sustainable.” – Hal Steinbrenner.
As long as they’re profitable, for them, it is.
They are profitable, yet still say this.
Not likely to get back to the World Series
That was obvious a longgggg time ago. Yankees are on a strict budget
“Strict budget”…Do you think Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk have personal “budgets”?
Do you imagine Steinbrenner is in their league?
This is Steinbrenner’s way to say” Let’s go flat out dumpsta divin”
I guess the bigger question, do you think Elon and Jeff have access to their net worths? Of course they are on some sort of budget, that is what keeps people with money keeping their money.
Of course they do
Definitely. They STILL aren’t spending money. Not happening.
Might as well rock it out and see how the troops perform before making any major moves.
“Any major moves”…Finish the foundation, some of the walls and the roof and hope it withstands the wind, snow and rain? Is that what you’re saying?
mlb fan last year Cole was injured which caused Gil to make the rotation. He turned that into a ROY season. This year Will Warren has the same opportunity.
Every year everyone says the Yankees need to let the kids play and every year they panic when the Yankees don’t fill every position with 300 million dollar veterans.
With half of the league making the playoffs and it’s been proven that winning the division isn’t important, they can ride it out until the trade deadline and reassess then.
So you’re going to burn Warren to a piece ofa doll’s toy just like you did with unGil? It’s all about pitching. The Yankees have proven more effective at burning out pitchers than just about anyone. They do it because of their obsession with winning games at all costs (I think that’s the Steingrabber DNA). They get their hands on relievers and run them into the ground with only a few exceptions. They burnt Cole last year so now he’s done. They will probably have fried Fried by the end of this year if not sooner. They will Godzilla Rodon to the IL before long as well. Messer Schmdit will go down with engines on fire. Dream Weaver will have a nightmare season after last year’s abusive overuse. The Strawman will neither find a heart nor a brain and certainly not courage with all his lyin’ about being a starter.
But hey, they’re still the favorite to win the division. Somehow.
Lol
they’re obsessed with winning “at all costs” as long as those costs are below the tax threshold
Your comments continue to read like the ramblings of a madman. Maybe one day you’ll get the help you need
what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things i have ever heard. at no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. i award you no points, and may god have mercy on your soul
Thank you, I feel better already.
I found my meds.
Glad to hear it! Mental health is mental wealth
@mlb
you mouth of a lot about the Yanks. I get it. you’re not a fan. Objectively, having a competition for 3B and backup catcher wasn’t the worst thing in the world and hardly an impediment for them to win a WS. I’m more concerned with injuries which can only be
“Mouth of a lot”…I talk about the Yankees because I watch them along with about 2 or three other teams about 4+ times a week each and every week.
I understand their importance and place in baseball lore but during my formative years the Yankees were the “Evil Empire” and millions of us disliked them.
That being said, I don’t unfairly criticize or rip teams whether I like them or not. In general, I’m rooting for every team to succeed(except the Yankees of course).
Ouch
Not meant to be a dig or anything, but looking at the rotation and seeing Clarke Schmidt is part of it, he’s not looking that great in spring training, especially after today.
Looks like the Yankees have to get someone from the outside because there’s really not much of a choice?
It’s only fckng spring training! Years ago Greg Bird looked like the next Barry Bonds in spring training….
Greg Bird used steroids?
Yes, I’m hoping the same thing as well. Because Lucas Giolito looked like crap today lol. I hear you.
He admitted he had a hamstring injury after one pitch
Greg Bird looked good his rookie year in the regular season. I get your point, but you used the wrong example
No, you are wrong. I’m talking about spring training 2017 when Bird hit like 10 homers and .400. Then he started the RS 3-40 or so with 20 Ks. He had a pretty bad season. ST stats aren’t that important.
…First start in Spring Training.
Just to be clear – Schmidt has thrown one game in Spring training, that was today (3/11) against Baltimore. Let’s give him a little room as pitchers usually work on specific things in spring training.
Clarke Schmidt is better than any Red Sox SP not named Crochet. Maybe you should worry about your own team
Understood. I was hoping my very first couple of words would temper the agitation and backlash. All I can do is try.
Yankees are a storied franchise that deserves all respect from this Red Sox fan 100%.
@Gary – Today was his debut. Schmidt’s velocity was good which is a positive. He got hurt with his sinker today.
Fernando, that’s way more of an accomplishment than how it went for Gioloto’s first spring start today lol
There is no effective stop gapping this internally
I don’t think anyone available is a serious upgrade over Warren or Carrasco, both of whom have looked great in camp
Brian Cashman Fan:
Carrasco is going to get whipped like a mule in the regular season.
I know it was unbecoming and off-setting for me to type all-caps replies as a response to the Cole situation. I could have been more mature in the moment.
I just want to reassure everyone that I have not stopped laughing at Brian Cashman’s stupidity. It probably could have come to pass by now, but given how the Yankees are, we are reminded of his bone-headedness a few times a week.
At least Jerry Jones is 138 years old. Cashman is just dumb.
I love when you can read like half of a long comment and realize you don’t need to finish it because the person is basically just talking to hear themselves talk. Its refreshing having another 30 seconds in life.
I always defended Hal, but they have to spend if they wanna win! Yankees are printing money….
Yankees taking a step back this year. Only reason they got so far last year was the weak AL and that loaded lineup with Soto and they couldn’t sign him.
I don’t think they’re the best team by any means and I don’t think the AL will be weaker this year.
As for Cole, it was pretty obvious he would eventually get TJ surgery after signing that deal and having the workload he did
Yeah, Yanks lucked into the WS only having to battle the AL Central to make it there. I think they are a playoff team and could stumble back into the WS if the AL shakes out to be underwhelming again though. No AL team is on the same level as the Mets or Dodgers tho
They’ll probably make the postseason but that doesn’t mean they’ll have success there. The fan base won’t be satisfied with just postseason appearances
Oh I dont disagree. I was pleasantly surprised they went so far last year given Trent Grisham and Alex Verdugo would be in the lineup just about every day
mets and dodgers are apples and oranges (if the apples had a crappy rotation and could easily finish third in their own division and the oranges had an historically stacked roster and a chance to break the regular season wins record)
I wouldn’t count on the Mets, honestly. Their lineup is fantastic but they’re a Verlander short in the pitching department
Putting Jordan Montgomery in the same sentence as Dylan Cease and Sandy Alcántara is hilarious
At least Monty has proven he can pitch in NY, with don’t know about the other guys yet.
But……come on…. Taijuan Walker for some practice equipment.
I saw an article somewhere that said the Yankees should trade the Cards for Sonny Gray lol I wanted to die for taking the time to read their possible replacements list lol
Sonny Gray is great when he isnt being told to throw pitches that dont work bc the stats sheet said something about his spin rate
i hear carl pavano, javier vasquez and ed whitson are available
Sterling Hitchcock on line two.
The Yankees print money at that ballpark and this is their answer??? Disgraceful. Honestly.
Also, I’ve been reading the Yankees can get 27 mil back on insurance on Cole, WFAN has even picked up on it today, so honestly WTF.
And call me whatever, spoiled NYY fan, that’s fine, because I feel LUCKY to be this spoiled, but when fans put alot of time and money into a team, you’d want your team to uphold their end when $#!+ like this happens.
Your ace, your second biggest power bat, and the ALROY went down, standing pat should absolutely not be the response. Again not with what they make at that ballpark on sellout upon sellout.
And again if they aren’t using that insurance money? What are they doing then??? This FO sometimes has no idea on how to be creative. Look at the roster manipulation LAD has done? Jeez, c’mon.
All of this talk is sickening.
Ugh, no one, absolutely no one wants to hear this cr*p. Kyle Gibson is an absolutely decent starting pitcher that can be had super cheap, (don’t offend the guy, Cashman!). Heck, get Jordan back!
Find a way!!!
Im all for criticizing how exactly the Yankees money is allocated, but calling them cheap despite throwing in 270MM every year is a new level of ignorant and spoiled.
The amount of money theyre spending isnt the problem, no matter how hard you stomp your feet and pout.
Beg, please, for one, no where in there did I say they were cheap. What I’m saying is they’re lacking the bite and creativity to get the moves done that need to be done when they absolutely need to be done.
The FO towing this line crying about taxes makes them look incredibly weak and not creative. These aren’t run of the mill issues, these are absolutely HUGE issues that really need a better answer. You want your billion dollar team to act like it when they absolutely need to.
We can talk the deadline moves all we want, but we gotta get there with a winning record first. So let’s see how that works out and if we indeed have enough to replace 3 IMPORTANT pieces (spoiler, we do not)!
“Yankees print money and this is their answer?!” only implies the Yankees are being cheap. You do not need to say it explicitly for it to be what you meant, so dont try to pretend otherwise. The second paragraph in your reply is implying the same thing so its not even worth addressing.
Again, we can criticize how the 270-300MM budget every year is allocated because it IS a mess, but you cant complain about the amount theyre spending because thats irrational.
Teams put out better products spending half of what the Yanks do routinely. Again, the dollar amount is not the issue. Keep crying tho, theres no FA left that can fill the void of GC and this team stumbled into the WS last year. Theyve simply needed to rebuild but fans like you would melt down so they keep putting expensive bandaid after expensive bandaid on just to watch them fall off. What youre seeing is a product of your demands actually
I see more crying from you here than what I’m doing as a legit fan of the team that understands what that means. And yeah it’s absolutely less about being cheap, than absolutely not being aggressive enough when they need to be.
And this isn’t even just a knock on right now and the tax threshold, this can apply to multiple facets of the Yankees FO mantra under Cashman and Hal.
But please, NY backing into the WS? A farce that trolls need to tell themselves to get over the misery of their own fandom.
The Yankees play to win, rebuilds don’t happen, and it’s not because of crying, it’s because we pack that stadium day after day. Again, NYY prints money, it’s not a lie, it’s facts. A team like that is a team that HAS to do what it takes to stay competitive and making that money as a business. So yeah, keep that crying to yourself. My rant is justified.
But…. If the Yankees have the resources to rectify weaknesses on the roster and fail to fix it because of money savings….. isn’t that being cheap? Of course cheap is relative, but it’s still being cheap (in this particular instance, at least).
The biggest difference between the Yankees and the Dodgers is that the Yankees try to balance value with expenditures and the Dodgers spend to win, even if that’s with overpaying the right talent to suit their needs.
Clip, I see it more of a weakness of going outside their comfort zone. Hal and Cashman are the definition of staying as straight laced as possible and following their own well defined rules. They don’t get creative and think outside the box too often. This team spends a ton of money, so for me personally, I won’t ever call them cheap, but they lack the killer instinct to be financially irresponsible enough to do whatever is necessary and take that hit.
+WhineySal
Im a Yankees fan, the team last year was riddled with holes and they only got to the WS because they only had to play the AL Central lol.
But nah youre complaining about them being cheap despite throwing up more money than you can fathom, not just once or twice, but every year youve been alive. They are top spenders every year and here you are. You can try to spin this into something else but the root of it is you dont think theyre spending enough. Rebuilds dont happen bc of what I mentioned above. What you are demanding is how tje Yanks have an incomplete roster despite spending so much in the first place but youre too short sighted and busy watching someone elses pockets to see it. Wahwahwah
+Yankee Clipper
Them being cheap is not relative to themselves, and if it was this is business as usual as the total $ amount is how it always is, top 1-5. However, its relative to the rest of the league. They spend enough to win the WS every year, they just dont spend it correctly. The Yankees arent cheap, and havent been cheap since George purchased the team from CBS for $10MM. Anyone saying otherwise is simply wrong.
Everything ive said, i said it as clearly as I felt it. You aren’t me and putting words in my mouth is ridiculous. So ciao to you.
Nah youre just now pretending you never implied they were cheap because you realize how ridiculous that is. No one brings up how much money they make relative to what theyre spending the exactly way you did and imply anything else. You realize I can scroll up and read what you typed, right? Like this isnt a vocal convo where you can pretend some things were never said? Wompwomp
Sal, I agree and think you worded that well. It’s more about their own self-imposed rules. For the record, I wasn’t implying they are cheap either, but it’s a natural segue for some who try to explain why they are not spending when they should. I like your terminology the best though….”lack the killer instinct” is a perfect description for the current Yankees administration.
Also, for the record, I don’t think they should acquire someone just to do it. I think there are significant advantages to letting the younger guys get a shot (like Warren). But, if it doesn’t work, they really need to be prepared to fork over the necessary prospects to get Luis Castillo, Dylan Cease, or someone that can mitigate the offensive weaknesses, imho.
Instead of being intellectually dishonest you can just say “I was wrong to suggest they were being cheap and I’d like to criticize something else instead”
Beg: Yeah, I agree with your points about their salary, and I don’t think they’re cheap either. But I can see how someone may make that claim based on a very narrow scenario.
I think Sal wrote a perfect analogy in writing that they just lack the killer instinct. It always seems like they’re one or two moves away from going all-out. Nonetheless, I’m prepared to be a bit more patient this year because I like that they seem to be more well-rounded. And, if there’s one place I do trust Cashman, it’s with pitching. And, for what it’s worth, Sal is a true Yankees fan, and as you well know, we’re a passionate bunch. But he contributes a lot in here and I respect his opinions.
Beg, I’ve only unmuted you because I want to read Clip’s (a user I respect) response which disappeared when I muted you. But now that I’m here again, if you can read, then you can read that again and clearly see I absolutely did not say they were cheap ever. Conversations irl or on the net are progressive, you needed more explanation to what I wrote and I told you. Yet, you’ve decided to attack me continuously and are still carrying on something you cannot win because I’ve clearly explained my stance which I’ve complained about it in one way or another for years here at MLBTR.
So wompwomp.
+Clip
I mean theres a lot of things to criticize with the way the Yanks spend the money, Im the first one to do so usually lol I dont necessarily disagree that theres a lack of killer instinct, for example: passing on Harper. Im just not going to entertain the idea that the dollar figure is the problem which is what he irrefutably implied within his first two comments. He can be a true Yank fan all he wants, itd just be nice if someone can just admit they were wrong and adjust their stance without having to pretend they never held a certain stance in the first place. Maybe thats just me tho
I get what you’re saying Beg, but I know I’ve written things that seemed to imply something I wasn’t trying to say, especially when I looked at it later on. Usually, it’s just me being too hasty to type or not reviewing it (which is my own fault, of course). And Harper still burns me!
As for their biggest issue, I think it’s the manner in which they allocate the money (on whom they spend it), not necessarily the amount. Honestly, Cashman frustrates the heck out of me most times. So does Boone.
Either way, I’m looking forward to seeing how this team plays and I’m hoping it will yield similar results to last season.
Go Yankees!
boneheaded decisions have left them at the edge of the tax threshold with a shaky roster. they’ve made their bed but they don’t have to lay on it. they should suck it up and spend money to overcome those mistakes before the judge window closes but there’s no chance that happens
+Clip
Oh I totally understand saying something you didnt necessarily mean to say, especially online on a sports forum. Its just that he keeps doubling down that he never implied it, when everyone can just scroll up and read what he said. Now hes muting me because of his inability to take responsibility for what hes said. He must be an expert gaslighter IRL lol
And I agree that their allocation is terrible, been saying that this whole thread. The last time I was a Cashman fan was that 2014-2017 stretch where we got Didi, had a bunch of young guys and on paper making the right trades (Drob, Sonny, etc)
Dasit: Another great point. Honestly, if there is a strike in ‘27, it could realistically be 3 years until any semblance of the old Cole returns, and by then he will be about 37(?). Their window closing does seem to be a bigger issue when looking at the present roster. Unless, of course, Hal decides to go LAD on free agency in the future, which I certainly don’t see happening.
Beg,
You’re being muted for absolutely having zero respect for a fellow MLBTR user and resorting to offending me and name calling from the jump instead of having a conversation. And when I did, you doubled abd tripled down.
Just to be clear on this as well.
You will absolutely not be missed, but thank you for your time.
I really think they’re just waiting and seeing and not getting bent over a rail for a bunch of prospects yet.
Sal,
Youre the one unable to have a convo. You said something silly that criticized and from that point you lied about what you said and muted me lol Btw, why would i have respect for someone who came off like a spoiled brat and then lied about what you said?
@Sal
You sound so spoiled. The fact that Monty had a horrible 2024 and hasn’t shown ANYTHING about the quality of pitcher he will be in 2025, why not wait and see how our own internal guys do and then pivot from there? If Fried, Rodon, Schmidt are performing well and Stroman and, let’s imagine, Warren are decent then we can afford to hunt selectively. The Padres have two guys that are FOR types and Cortez in MIL too, will be FA at the end of the year. Yanks next prospects (I don’t see Rice and Martian as prospects any more) are in the lower minus coming off of decent seasons but not spectacular or injuries) Maybe a couple of them have good showings, boost their trade value and can be used to nab better pitchers than what’s available now? no need to panic.
As Yankees fans, we’re all spoiled. I just accept that’s how the bar was set for us, and we should accept nothing less.
I’m not panicked, I just don’t believe these holes are solved internally. The gaps of quality are too big. So do we solve them now or wait till the deadline when we’re not quite in position to make moves? Because that’s what this line if thinking the FO is portraying smells of. Because if they don’t want to cross the threshold, this is the way to do that. Give hope to fans, pump up our in-house options, but they know it’s probably not enough, therefore the chance that they can just say it’s not worth pursuing anything further at the deadline becomes more of the reality they want for this season. Maybe that sounds cynical, but man I’ve been following this game for over 40 years, and I’ve learned to read between the lines a long time ago.
So spoiled? Sure, but that’s on the team. Moreso, though, I’m passionate, but that’s also on the team. Lastly, hip to how they operate.
Sal- I hear ya, bit. And IF going out and nailing down a front line starter was chosen. We have to consider that knowing Cole is out might trigger a few other teams like the Cubs and Orioles to fish around too.
Either as a way to BLOCK a move. Or in Baltimores case cause they smell blood on the water.
Let’s imagine the O’s ALSO call Miami on Alcantara. They could well have better projects in that deal. Yanks aren’t dealing in a vacuum like it’s mlbthe show of course.
And 29 teams know they’d be desperate. And maybe they are. But you’ll wreck it quick overreacting.
Let it simmer…let them see what they have. If guys play up. They can go add a nice piece for a run.
I don’t believe it HAS to be a deadline deal. It could be in Aptil even.
Also, that’s Cashman supposed to say to the media..”Yeah we got hit hard. We’re desperate.”?? Nope…
No and he never does. I give Cashman credit for always playing it cool, but sometimes you do want to hear something more positive than standing pat, especially in the face of this sort of unexpected adversity. There’s a time to be cool and a time to instill faith back into your fanbase. I mean, I’m not alone here on a website message board. I’ve already read multiple articles stating this and it’s been talked about on the radio. Sometimes you want your leaders to sound like leaders.
And yeah I totally agree with you about the other sharks. That said, I see some of these other teams holding tighter to their prospects than the Yankees do. It takes two to tango as they say.
Sal- For sure. But I think it’s better to do right than just make people feel better. Words are cheap. And that puffery loses credibility after awhile.
The desire to win at all costs is admirable. Someone could take a set of jumper cables to a guy like Ricketts nuts in Chicago.
Yankees fans really are spoiled with riches. As this team sits….a LOT of places and fans would be looking at this team as their shot at a World title.
I’ve seen every pitch thrown this spring. The people wailing all is lost are being way dramatic. I’m seeing a lot of development. I don’t think cashman is lying about wanting to see where they are.
But I get ya. What if he says like..”We’re going to do everything possible to bring the 28th trophy to the Bronx. Everything! But there’s a time and place.”
I mean..damn…media is gonna run with it no matter what.
Personally…end of the day….I want someone to be good at their job even if they aren’t eloquent. My feels are up to me. And so is my capacity to read between the lines on what might be going on.
Cashman can’t to send a public panic signal. What’s that say to Will Warren, Schmidt? Other guys? You want them going full bore to step up. You’re coaching staff is working to fo that. Then send that negative message go them.
Dude…don’t please MY ears at the cost of discouraging those guys in the media.
You dig what I’m getting at? But man I feel ya. It’s alright to frigging care.
Absolutely get you, man. I’m not in a panic like others either, heck I haven’t suggested going out and getting the top of the line, but not improving even at the base level comes off weak. Overall, I just want more accountability and passion from Cashman. I’m not saying he should full bore be a rahrah guy, but this was probably the time the overall fanbase could have used that sort of pick me up. Heck, just say “We’re the Yankees, we don’t panic, we make things right. We’ll explore all options internal and external.” It isn’t hard to be laid back AND strong lol. Anyway, thanks, Dock, you speak solid truths. Night!
@Sal
Using a combination of $$$ on FA (Fried, Goldy), trades (Belli, Williams, etc) and promoting prospects (Martian, Rice) most would call being creative. The injuries came out of nowhere. Who keeps 9 quality starting pitchers around? they had 7 and used 1 to get a bonfire closer, something we’ve lacked since Chapman. Yes I wanted an all-star at 3b but that’s a huge 100% tax that comes with it and might make it more difficult to go after Tucker, Vlad or some other SP we might need to replace Cole this winter. I also think we must come to grips with the fact that there’s about to be a huge devide between the mom and Pop owners vs the huge investment firms entering into baseball ownership. The Yanks have historically invested more profit back into their teams than any other ownership. But it’s still a business and they have partners who might like to pull some money out of the profits each year. The team might be baked at coffee to 8 billion but that money won’t be realized until the team is sold. Hal’ personal wealth is “only” $1.3 bill. The main owner of the Dodgers is personal worth $8 bil and most of the others at the Guggenheim ate worth more than Hal’s $1.8 bil. Magic might be the least wealthiest of the ownership group and he’s around that $2 bil range himself. Then the Mets ownership? Dio santo!!! He’s worth almost 3x what the franchise is worth and more than 10x Hal’s personal wealth.
All of that is fine, but trades and signings are part of the job. Cashman has been historically decent at trading, signing a little less, but he’s gotten the job done. Creativity though comes from constructing the roster in a way that answers all the holes. This team has consistently had that in one form or another. I like Cash overall, but he’s not perfect.
You can read more of my thoughts on him and Hal in this thread.
I believe the Yankees have been something like a 14% annual franchise value increase. Maybe sell some % ownership to get some liquidity. Insure against this type of stuff basically. The ownership investment will pay itself pack fairly quickly.
But to be very real. The Yankees key is to developing talent. Money hasn’t BEEN the issue ever. It took George being banned and out of the way to build the system that brought in the Big 4 and that long run. Not even the Dodgers just spend. They kill the draft and international.
It’s a tricky thing running what’s both a New York City business and a baseball team. Like I’ve said here, the Yankees are built differently and in 2025 it’s even more critical than it was back in the 90’s to constantly put out a team that will fill the stands. I’d absolutely love to see some of these kids pan out, but when you lose your ace, your second biggest slugger, and your ROY, you expect better from the FO’s response. They absolutely should make the right deal, but put out a better front. Make us feel like you are working on it, not that your hands are tied.
One observation, imagine they signed Juan Soto for $760MM. They would not have signed Fried, traded for Bellinger and Williams and probably not sign Goldy. Imagine want that team would look like especially the pitching.
Not signing Soto ended up being beneficial to them. They improved the defense and bolstered the pitching.
And are back to a 82 win team.
It’s a tough division. Wouldn’t surprise me if the Yankees finish the season in 3rd or 4th place. Extend Cash after that
Yeah, I can see Cashman waiting until the deadline where they have more leverage. But I can see them also posturing, it’s a legitimate tactic to not create desperation. I think they’re good for now.
I see some people saying how the Yankees are being “cheap”.
It’s not so much that…it’s Brian Cashman’s tendency to sign and trade for injury prone players who’s skills rapidly diminish.
They’re paying Aaron Hicks $10 million in 2025 and he hasn’t been with NY in a few years lol. Cashman took on an absolute albatross Stanton contract in a trade with Miami only to see that “investment” miss 35% of his games as a Yankee. He gave DJ LeMahieu a decent contract only to witness him to become a liability in the lineup every game and hasn’t produced at a high level since putting the pen to the paper. Those are just some examples, but when the money is tied up with guys like that they can’t just throw more money at the problem.
Yup, Cashman needs to learn to administer the very high payroll he’s given by Hal.
it’s not any more complicated than that. when a durable superstar like harper is available, sign his ass regardless of positional need. when an injury-prone player coming off a career year like ellsbury is available, take a pass regardless of positional need
Teams usually have less leverage at the deadline, not more, particularly with so many teams contending for the expanded wildcard spots. Lots of buyers and an even more limited supply of players available to acquire.
Waiting until the deadline buys Cashman time to gauge how the team’s needs have changed. It also means taking on only partial rather than full season salaries.
I’m afraid though that the Yankees don’t have the appropriate pieces in the Minors to outduel other clubs for guys like Alcantara. The Orioles, Red Sox, Mets, Cubs all have superior farm systems with regards to the Yankees. The only ace up their sleeve could be The Martian and I don’t think the fans would go for that.
The Cubs and Orioles could very well be out on the phone too jumping into the market.
Trade Volpe, Warren and Jones for Sandy. Let Lombard or Peraza play SS…
Wild take. You OK?
Yes I’m ok. I’m not high on Volpe.
Volpe is a GG SS for league min pay. He may never hit enough to be an All-Star but he’s not hurting the team even as an average hitter. Lombard, Jr. hasn’t even played higher than high-A ball. Peraza may not be an everyday MLB player. Warren has shown promises this spring and could break camp in the rotation.
“ Volpe is a GG SS for league min pay“ you could write the same about Peraza.
“ He may never hit enough to be an All-Star but he’s not hurting the team even as an average hitter.“ yeah, he’s probably average at best, even though he just hit .228 so far. I think Peraza could match that. He’s also as fast as Volpe. Volpe is probably the better player, but not by much imo. If I could get Sandy, I would absolutely trade Volpe.
I’m a Lombard lover and that’s a stretch for me. Warren? Yeah that deals again from depth. I’d be ok dealing Dominguez to be honest. I’d kind of expect that at this point.
But they need a SMART play…not just a smash.
Best case is these guys play up…we find some guys. And that later deal really does push for a championship.
No one is healthy it doesn’t seem. Not anywhere.
But they’d be down for signing Soto. I really like the offensive makeup. Arms have to show. There’s talent. But a lot of risk.
Agreed except I’m not for trading JDom because who is going to play LF or CF when Belli leaves? Grisham and Dom Smith flanking Judge in CF?
@Dock_Elvis I wouldn’t trade Jasson. Like I said, I would trade players like Warren, Jones or Volpe for Sandy. He could shut down every lineup with his awesome arsenal. You would have him for 3 years. It’s a no brainer for me.
True story on Bellinger. That’d be another issue pushed down the road. But if there’s a need for top of line in 2025 then just manage it later. There could be some low key guys available that wouldn’t cost a bank for now too. That Fredde guy in STL.
BronxBombers23- I agree. Whatever makes that deal work. If that’s where they are going.
Tired of Hal cheaping out. Born a billionaire into the highest revenue producing franchise in the game and crying about an extra 20 million to get a legit third baseman. Ridiculous.
I’m guessing he’d have to sell the team to liquify most of that personal wealth.
This entire team is an injury waiting to happen. Cole was the last one to not have any type of history or concern until last year. And signing FA pitchers like Rondon and Fried to big dollar contracts with their history of injury has to have Cashman up at night.
Cashman loves it tbh he’s probably punching air before bed every night knowing he wasn’t able to give Anthony Rendon that contract 🙂
The Rays whopping up on the Yankees for a few years there really broke Hal’s brain. I think he secretly wants to run a team like the Rays – don’t spend any money and exceed expectations every year – but he has to realize you can’t do that when you’re the Yankees.
Yankees would lose 125 games with the Rays payroll. Cashman needs to outspend everyone for any chance at a title.
I did hear insurance is covering $27m this year on Cole. His $36m will still count in full towards the luxury tax but still $27m savings is pretty good. So they could put that towards another player acquisition.
No surprise as there isn’t much left in the market. Even before Gil and Cole went down, the fact that Cashman held onto Stroman says his budget is pretty tapped out.
Issue is…they can probably be outbid on the market they’re in too. Call on Cease or Alcantara. Orioles can too. Would Dominguez get it done? Orioles can offer Mayo plus. Its a hard game in reality to make deals.
But I’m not sure I buy the public stance. Everyone and my uncle can see they’d be desperate. But I’m not dealing Lombard myself. He’s looking like he could be a star on the left side of the infield.
Who knows. By Memorial Day we’ll know more of any of these spring flashes are going well. Can deal then too
In season additions? April counts. Sorry, but I’m not fully buying this statement. They also know others teams have them bent over.
Yankees really do have progress in house. But good gravy! You’re talking about trying to repeat as AL Central champs…lose Cole. You do something and break an egg. You’re talking about team that’s seen 14% added valuation generally I believe. Can ya crack that a fraction to boost the love…boost the feelings.
I’m not seeing what if any of the asks are in return. But geez….trust your scouts and trust something and get it done.
Are you fricken kidding me. Go find out what the fish need for Sandy.. Some of Cole’s 25 cost should be coming in insurance, so go get alcantra even if it costs Lombardi and Hess
Relatively speaking the Yankees ARE being cheap. The only accurate way to judge a team’s spending on player salaries is by looking at the percentage of total revenues they spend. The Yankees bring in the most $ every year by far, yet the percentage they spend on salaries is only in the middle of the pack. (18th based on the most recent numbers I saw). If the Yankees led the league or even placed in the top 5 in terms of percentage of total revenues spend on salary then they’d likely spend an amount similar to or above what the Dodgers are spending.this year and they’d be able to address their poor roster construction and foreseeable injuries/lack of depth. So while I agree Brian Cashman is doing a pretty poor job in putting the team together, they clearly have the $ to handle these injuries by flexing their huge financial advantage and bringing in/trading for players without regard to the tax implications. Just saying that the Yankees are spending $300 million a year is a lot and they aren’t being cheap is a lazy assessment. If they bring in 750 million in revenues and spend 300 million on salaries then they are at only 40% of total revenues. If 17 teams spend a higher percentage of their total revenues on player salaries then yes the Yankees are being cheap relatively speaking.
That’s on Hal. They shouldn’t have lost their lead in having a NPB pipeline because they’ve been signing Japanese players for decades. Their only busts were Hideki Irabu and Kei Igawa. Then they traded for Ichiro.
Losing your #1 definitely hurts and that one just has to sting…
However, for all the Yank fans who are calling for replacements on the staff, don’t overlook that crap line up they’ll be trotting out every night. Judge will break the season record for walks because he is pretty much the only stick on that team that can do any damage. That is a balsa wood lineup that’s only gonna get worse when Goldy, Belli or Judgy have to miss any time. And they will.
Sorry, I usually try to keep the comments positive and such, but Yank fans are in for a loooong season and it won’t be because Cole is out.
Go Sox.
Do you think big Lance will look good in pinstripes? One of my favorite players, he’d be good with Yanks for a season. All three of those options listed in the article are fairly solid in my opinion. Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson and Spencer Turnbull all should be considered. All three better than what the Yankees have in place.
Yankees fans loving them some Marcus Stroman now though aren’t they.
Cashmam and Steinbrenner have to go.
You lose your ace, the old Yankees would go out and replace, instead now it’s yea it’s fine. They don’t care cause they are making profit.
Well you haven’t won a ws since 09, so it’s about time you won one.
Stop running it like a business and go out and win. The dodgers don’t give a damn about payroll. They won, the Yankees haven’t
Have you ever seen a $300m roster so bare and lack so much depth? This is the only team cash man could convince to extend him year after year.
Cashman needs to look at a map with San Diego on it and realize there’s a GM down there with an incurable addiction to trades.
One thing we all know for sure!! If Cashman is talking, he’s lying. They are still in on Dylan Cease and correct me if I’m wrong. He’s not internal to the Yanks correct? Lmao