While teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox battle it out for the signature of Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, the New York Yankees have sat idly by and taken the market-fluctuations one day at a time.
General manager Brian Cashman has looked toward proven veterans this offseason to develop his team and improve the overall defense of the infield. For a veteran minimum deal and $12 million per-season he has acquired five total Gold-Gloves and added them to a young, struggling infield.
Players like Miguel Andujar and Gleyber Torres have had issues at their respective positions – the addition of Troy Tulowitzki and DJ LeMahieu should contribute to a better unit with fewer errors (as reserve options). Combined, Torres and Andujar recorded 30 total errors to contribute towards one of the worst defensive infields in the league.
Have the Yankees improved this offseason?
The big question is – are the Yankees a better team after the moves they’ve made this offseason? The starting pitching rotation will likely be the same with the addition of the oft-injured James Paxton in 2019. While the team didn’t have J.A. Happ for the entire season last year, he will play a more prominent role, likely being considered the team’s best option moving forward.
They will expect Luis Severino to make the jump to ace in the season ahead. He was stellar before the All-Star break in 2018, earning a 2.31 ERA before losing his control and struggling down the stretch. If he can correct his mishaps and eradicate the “tipped pitches,” Severino could develop into a true No.1 option. The Yankees need him to take that step forward if they wish to make a serious run at the World Series.
With the starting pitching rotation being a question mark, it’s safe to say that Cashman is betting on his luck. In regard to batting, he will stick with Luke Voit and Greg Bird at first-base, two inconsistent players that have flashed potential. Voit will be the clear-cut starter to being the season after posting a .333 batting average last season.
A cost-efficient offseason:
The Yankees have taken a more monetarily quiet route this offseason, staying away from big name free agents and silently stealing some valuable veterans in free agency. LeMahieu is only two years removed from winning the National League batting title with a .348 BA. He will be a great resource if the infield defense continues to struggle. Additionally, he’s a fantastic base-hit batter – he’s not a slugger that will hit 30 homers every-year, but his ability to get on base will help players like Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge ‘earn more RBIs.