We have some breaking New York Yankees news this evening. After many fans were growing restless with the slow-paced bombers after the lockout ended, they started their moves with an interesting deal this evening.
It all started when Jon Heyman tweeted out that the Yankees had traded Gary Sanchez to the Minnesota Twins. We then learned the full deal moments later and now the Yankees have officially announced the deal.
The Yankees acquired Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Ben Rortvedt for Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela. This is a deal that has thrown many, including myself, through a loop.
Earlier today, Aaron Boone came out and said that Gio Urshela was the Yanks shortstop. We now know that was just talk as the bombers have acquired Isiah Kiner-Falefa who will fill that stop-gap role until Oswald Peraza or Anthony Volpe is ready to resume the SS position.
The New York Yankees today announced that they have acquired INF Josh Donaldson, INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa and C Ben Rortvedt from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for C Gary Sánchez and INF Gio Urshela.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 14, 2022
Yankees Big Move
Acquiring Isiah Kiner-Falefa makes sense to me and even getting catcher Ben Rortvedt makes sense to me. The Yankees have never been thrilled with Gary Sanchez’s ability behind the plate and they’ve finally moved on.
Where I’m confused is Josh Donaldson. The Yankees have not spent a lot of money on position players as of late, yet they are taking on the full $50 million over two years to acquire an aging Josh Donaldson.
Another interesting wrinkle to this deal is the fact that Donaldson has had issues with Yankees ace Gerrit Cole. To me, this is a tipping point deal and just the start of many additional moves for the Yankees.
It’ll be interesting to see how this all plays out, but I’m a little surprised to see Urshela get dealt in this deal. Definitely stay tuned to see what else Brian Cashman has up his sleeve for the rest of the offseason.