Top New York Yankees links, December 3:
Yankees will have to fill these roster holes when MLB lockout ends – NY Post
The New York Yankees failed to get anything done during free agency before the MLB lockout, but clearly, that was part of their long-term plan. With ownership battling to retain some of their leverage in player negotiations and free agency, the lockout could last quite some time, especially after wild accusations were made from both parties after the stoppage commenced.
However, that doesn’t ignore the needs of the Yankees, and once things open back up again, they will have to be active with their spending. Other teams will be looking to pick up players before the start of Spring Training and the 2020 regular season, so Cashman will have a plan in place which he would like to execute quickly.
There are four spots that stand out for the Bombers, including shortstop, centerfield, catcher, and starting pitching. Luckily, they still have Carlos Correa and Trevor Story on the market to choose from, but they will likely earn massive contracts after the lockout. In centerfield, the Bombers were connected to several free-agent prospects and even spoke to the Baltimore Orioles about Cedric Mullins, one of their star players.
As for catcher, the Yankees tendered Gary Sanchez to avoid arbitration, paying him $8 million despite another down year for the slugger. Unless he can turn things around dramatically in 2022, this will likely be the last season for Sanchez in pinstripes. Cashman offered Justin Verlander one year,$ 25 million, but he refused the deal in favor of the Houston Astros, who gave him two years and $50 million with a second-year player option. It is clear that the Yankees need another starter to pair with Gerrit Cole, but a lot of the top options are already off the market.