The Yankees have been slow to spend so far this offseason, but do fans in New York trust Brian Cashman and his upcoming plans?
Dear Yankee Fans,
It is time to put down the “2018 Luxury Tax Championship” banners. The Yankees will spend this offseason, but at their pace.
Earlier this offseason, Brian Cashman made a bet on James Paxton because he was aware that Patrick Corbin could come at a premium.
He was right.
Prior to last years stellar season, Patrick Corbin posted a 4.03 ERA in 2016 and followed it up with a 5.15 ERA in 2017. While his new repertoire “looks” to pay dividends moving forward, it was not enough for Cashman and the Yankees to toss 140 Million dollars, and six years his way. After all, just three pitchers (Mussina, Sabathia, and Tanaka) have inked six (plus) year contracts in pinstripes.
Like any successful salesperson, Brian Cashman is steering clear of the most common mistake one can make. Desperation.
Cashman: "I have a lot of lines out. We’re still fishing and we’re going to keep trying to catch a very particular type of fish in very particular type of categories. But if not, we’ll bring the boat back to the dock and set her back tomorrow and drop our lines again."
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) December 12, 2018
As the dominoes begin to fall, Cashman and the Yankees will continue to move further into the power position. While this does not mean that the Yankees will land Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, and Noah Syndergaard, it does mean that they will be best suited to get what it is they need while giving up less.
Based on reports throughout the first two and a half days of winter meetings, we can “assume” that Bryce Harper is not an option, Manny Machado is, and the possibility of the Yankees trading for a frontline starter is real.
The fact of the matter is this, Brian Cashman would rather have you call his bluff than showing his cards.
Do Yankees plan to meet with Manny Machado? “I wouldn’t say,” Brian Cashman said.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 12, 2018
It is up to you how you spend the rest of December. However, I would recommend spending it in confidence with Cashman, while enjoying the holiday season.
When the clock strikes 2019, the Yankees will have improved their team this offseason and in the event that it isn’t enough to achieve the ultimate goal, we will be right back here during July’s trade deadline.