The New York Yankees came sprinting out of the off-season gates back in December, making waves by trading for former Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton. The off-season hot-stove news in New York didn't stop with Stanton, as the Yankees interviewed multiple people for the open manager position before hiring Aaron Boone. However, since the Yankees traded Chase Headley on Dec. 12th, they have been noticeably less active with roster moves. The Yankees have been consistently subject to rumors surrounding many free agents this off-season, leaving many fans in New York wondering what the next move in the Bronx will be.
With big-name players like Josh Harrison and Yu Darvish rumored to land in New York, what are the Yankees doing to get these two players in pinstripes? Will they trade a player like Jacoby Ellsbury, or possibly consider sending a top prospect down to the minors? Find out below, in our Mid-January mega-update on all the Yankees news and rumors you need to know right now:
Did you know more people have walked on the moon (12) than players who have scored against Mariano Rivera in the postseason (11)? If you enjoy Yankees statistics, you'll fit in great around here ---> Yankees HQ by Chat Sports
Josh Harrison Wants Out Of Pittsburgh
It's become pretty clear that Pirates infielder Josh Harrison wants to jump ship, and certainly, no one could blame him for wanting out. In the last week, the Pirates traded their best overall player Andrew McCutchen, and their best pitcher Gerrit Cole, signaling to Harrison that the team is in full rebuild mode after a disappointing 75-87 record last season.
On Wednesday, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi mentioned on “The Fan Morning Show,” that Harrison has immense trade value in the market right now, with the Mets, Cubs, and Yankees at the top of the list of teams that may be interested in acquiring him.
Harrison would be a great fit for a Yankees team looking for a veteran presence in the infield considering that they have been linked to multiple infielders all off-season.
The 30-year-old is set to make $10.25 million in 2018 and his contract has club options for 2019 ($10.5 million) and 2020 ($11.5 million). Last season, Harrison batted .272 with a career-high 16 home runs in 128 games.
Jacoby Ellsbury for Ian Desmond Trade?
With the depth of the outfield the Yankees possess, holding on to 34-year-old Jacoby Ellsbury, set to make $68 million over the next three years, doesn't appear to be viable. But, the question the Yankees face is: what team is going to take on his contract? According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Colorado Rockies might be the answer.
"Looming over all decisions is the Yankees' pledge to stay under the $197 million luxury-tax threshold in 2018.
To that end, I have a suggestion: See if a trade could be built around sending Jacoby Ellsbury to the Rockies for Ian Desmond. Desmond has four years at $63 million remaining (including a $1 million assignment bonus if traded).
Why would the Rockies do it? Desmond was a miscast disaster at first base after signing a five-year, $70 million deal last year. Outside executives believe Colorado will ultimately sign someone else to play first or perhaps go with prospect Ryan McMahon. Young outfielders David Dahl had a back injury last season and Raimel Tapia played poorly on defense, as did Desmond when asked to play the outfield.'
Desmond is 32 years old and in his eighth season in the majors. He hit .274, with seven home runs, 40 RBIs in 95 games last season.
Payroll Flexibility For Yu Darvish
On Monday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that the Twins, Cubs, Dodgers, Rangers, and Yankees are all on free agent pitcher Yu Darvish's wishlist. John Harper of the New York Daily News reported on Sunday that general manager Brian Cashman's interest in Darvish "is very real," and the Yankees think they could sign him to a five-year deal worth between $80 and $90 million.
The number Cashman believes he could land Darvish for is lower than the $25 million per year range Darvish is rumored to be seeking. How can the Yankees afford to land Darvish for this amount? They might not be able to, but the Yankees have the hope of trading Ellsbury to make room for Darvish. This also might mean trading one of their young players is required - most likely outfielder Clint Frazier.
Considering his contract, there aren't many MLB teams who will want to acquire Ellsbury, but adding a young player like Frazier into the mix would make it more enticing. The Yankees don't want to give away a young player like Frazier, but it likely won't matter considering the abundance of talent in the outfield.
As mentioned above, Cashman said last week on WFAN he wanted to remain under the $197 million luxury tax and this may be the only way possible in order to land Darvish.
Gleyber Torres Headed To The Minors?
Cashman told Bruce Beck of WNBC-TV (New York) this week that that service time will not be in play when they consider Gleyber Torres for the Opening Day roster, and that it is "more likely" that the infield prospect will need some additional time in the minors.
Torres is the number two prospect in baseball and played in both Double-A and Triple-A last year, hitting .287 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs in 55 combined games. He was close to being called up to the majors last season before undergoing Tommy John surgery.
FOLLOW: Mitchell Renz is the Senior Writer & On-Air Host at Chat Sports. Check out his article archive and live videos on Chat Sports Facebook page. Please follow him on Twitter @MitchellRenz365.
Aaron Hicks Looks Strong
Based on his recent picture on Instagram, it appears Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks did nothing this off-season besides eat, sleep, and workout - he is JACKED.
He slashed .266/.372/.475 with 15 home runs in 88 games last season. Though his playing time might decrease with the additions the Yankees made this off-season, he looks to be in the best shape of his life. If he struggles to hit this season, he may consider auditioning for the next Hulk movie :-)
Astros Owner Celebrates Beating Yankees
The Houston Astros knocked out the Yankees in Game 7 of the ALCS last year, then beat the Yankees in the chase for free agent Gerrit Cole. Astros owner Jim Crane wanted to celebrate the news, writes Dan Martin of the New York Post.
“Anytime we can beat the Yankees, that’s good,’’ Crane said after a press conference to introduce Cole at Minute Maid Park. The Yankees were interested in Cole all off-season, but didn't want to surrender top prospects.
Cole had a below average year in 2017, by his standards, posting only a 4.26 ERA in 203 innings while striking out 196 batters. While he is only entering his age 27 season, he is now two years removed from his best season where he went 19-8 with a 2.60 ERA finishing 4th in the NL Cy Young race.
Missing the latest Yankees news is like being a contact hitter that strikes out a lot. To make sure your baseball knowledge doesn't come from left field, download the Chat Sports Android App.
Back to the New York Yankees Newsfeed