Could Injuries Force Yankees to be Aggressive in Free Agency?
The New York Yankees have dealt with injuries all season. It's one of the many reasons why they underperformed relative to expectations this year.
While an offseason should allow their pieces to recover and become healthy for the start of 2024, it's already confirmed that their superstar prospect Jasson Dominguez is getting Tommy John surgery and will miss extended time.
Dominguez was playing his way into consideration to be an Opening Day outfield starter despite his lack of experience.
With him now sidelined, could the Yankees' front office be forced into being aggressive in the free agency market to build a contender?
According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, that answer is no.
Despite being linked to prized upcoming free agent Cody Bellinger, he doesn't think that ownership or general manager Brian Cashman would be willing to shell out the money he likely will command.
"But because he’s having an extraordinary year in a down free agency class, Bellinger is likely going to cash in handsomely. The Yankees already have a few contracts on their roster that are handcuffing them," Kirschner writes.
The left handed slugger would be a great fit for their short porch in right field and would upgrade the defense with his flexibility across all three outfield positions.
Three players are schedule to make over $30 million next season and six will make over $15 million. It doesn't seem likely that New York would spend more money this offseason.
In regards to the exciting Mike Trout rumors, that equally seems unlikely.
If the Los Angeles Angels are interested in trading their superstar, they will be looking for a big return. The Yankees could send prospects their way to get the deal done, but that would damper their pipeline pool and stunt the franchise's future.
Trout is also scheduled to get paid over $35 million per year until 2030, bringing financials back into the forefront regarding offseason moves.
There's no doubt that New York needs to upgrade through free agency before the start of next season. However, it's looking like there won't be splashy moves made unless the owner gives the green light to spend again.
