The New York Yankees missed out on the playoffs for the third time in four years last season, but everyone associated with the franchise is determined not to continue that streak. However, if they're going to get there, they need to made some additions to their roster. Here are three moves they can make that will make them a playoff team in 2017:
3) Re-sign Aroldis Chapman
New York signed Chapman last offseason despite Chapman's domestic violence suspension, then traded him to the Cubs at the trade deadline. Despite that deal, Chapman said he wanted to return to the Yankees as free agency, and they reciprocated that interest. In fact, the two sides have reportedly already been in contact with each other. They need his strong arm to close out games, and it's looking more and more like they'll get it.
2) Trade Brian McCann to the Braves
There was a lot of steam behind this potential deal at the trade deadline last year, but New York ultimately decided not to go through with the deal. However, the Braves are still very interested in McCann as they're trying to improve their team with the opening of a new ballpark in 2017. New York has talked about keeping McCann as a backup catcher and DH, but they would be smart to flip him to the Braves for a few prospects.
1) Land a quality starting pitcher
Those prospects will come in handy when trying to acquire a star pitcher. New York has a lot of depth in their rotation, but they don't have any real game-changers behind Masahiro Tanaka - who has injury issues of his own. The Yankees have been planning on adding a starting pitcher this offseason, but with no real front-end options available, expect them to look towards the trade market to get a deal done. The White Sox have made Chris Sale available, which would likely be New York's top choice.
Follow our New York Yankees news page for all the latest Yankees news!
Back to the New York Yankees Newsfeed