After hitting the jackpot signing Gerrit Cole, and bringing back Brett Gardner for his 13th season in Yankees pinstripes, what else does Brian Cashman really have left to do this offseason?
As is, the current roster is good enough to win it all this season. There are no glaring, major issues. But with that said, there are some small holes that Cahsman could patch up to leave no loose ends unattended come Spring.
Backup Catcher: Higashioka or Maldonado?
With the news of longtime backup catcher Austin Romine signing a one-year deal worth roughly $5 million, there is a vacancy at the backup catcher position. Kyle Higashioka is an option already within the organization that could easily slide into the role left vacant by Romine. Higashioka, who Yankees fans have become familiar with in recent years, is known to have some pop at the plate, and is more than capable of being the backup to Gary Sanchez. But the Yankees could look to survey the free agent market for Romine’s replacement.
One free agent name being linked to the Yankees is Martin Maldonado. Maldonado is being linked to the Yankees solely for the reason that he caught Gerrit Cole a season ago in Houston. After dropping $324 million on Cole, it would behove the Yankees to cater to his preference, and if Maldonado is someone he is comfortable with behind the plate, why not fill the void with Maldonado. In 105 games played last season, Maldonado showed some offensive power with 12 HR, and called good games for Cole in the second half of the season. In a role so minor, yet so important, the Yankees could lean in the direction of experience over the potential upside of Higashioka. Also with Gary Sanchez’s recent injuries, it would not shock me if both Maldonado and Higashioka get playing time in the big leagues if the Yankees decide to go that direction.
Infield Depth
While this offseason has been great to the Yankees and their fans, there is still a little sad energy hovering over the fans and players because the departure of fan and clubhouse favorite SS Didi Gregorius. While the loss of Didi leaves a whole in Yankees fans hearts, it also leaves the Yankees infield a little thin. So what’s the plan?
A look at the current roster would have Gleyber Torres slide from 2B to SS, and DJ Lemaheiu be the full time 2B. But where is the depth going to come from for up the middle? DJ played the role as utility man last season playing all around the diamond, but with him locked in at 2B, the depth will have to come from someone else. Youngster Thairo Estrada showed promise filling in during the injury plagued season a year ago. Cashman could easily give the kid a promotion to the bigs full time to be the utility guy and back up SS to Torres. There is also Tyler Wade an ultimate utility guy like Estrada, who could see time with the big league team this season. Cashman could take a look at the free agent market but I expect the role to be filled in house.
Then there is the battle for the 3B job between Gio Urshela who held down the position like nobody saw coming, and the returning offensive stud Miguel Andujar who finished as a finalist for ROY last time we seen him. Both should make the 26 man roster, unless the Yankees package one of them in a potential trade.
Ultimate Death Star Move
Speaking of a potential trade, there is a juicy trade rumor rumblings being reported that the Yankees and Brewers have discussed a trade for All-Star reliever Josh Hader. The Yankees already have the best bullpen in the MLB and have for a number of years. But it seems like each year Cashman just adds to the strength of the team. But the addition of Hader, who has an agreement to being the very best reliever in the game when on, would be the ultimate “Death Star” move left out there to make. Many assumed Cole was the Death Star move, but this would be piling on and further increasing the Yankees chances to win their first championship since 2009, which I why I can see this being possible.
