With the MLB Trade Deadline over, the New York Yankees have turned their attention to the rest of the season. While the Hot Stove has cooled off substantially, the Yankees have dealt with retirement announcements and even a few trade rumors. Check out all the latest Yankees rumors and news below.
Brian McCann Clears Waivers
The Yankees' veteran catcher is among the most likely players to be moved before the waiver trade deadline at the end of August. That possibility is even more likely now that McCann has cleared waivers.
sources: McCann clears waivers, making him eligible for yankees to trade him this month https://t.co/BJ4mIoQGHP
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 7, 2016
Given McCann's hefty contract of $17 million per year through 2018 and a $15 million vesting option, that shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The Yankees would need to eat a big chunk of that salary to move him, and get McCann to waive his no-trade clause. Among the more likely trade partners is the Atlanta Braves. McCann is from Atlanta, and the Braves could try to bring him back to the team that drafted him to serve as a veteran mentor.
Brett Gardner Not Happy?
While the release of Alex Rodriguez on Friday makes perfect sense from a team perspective (the Yankees need to get the young guys more playing time), not everybody is pleased with the decision. Brett Gardner is one such player.
"Sad the way its all gone done," Gardner told NJ.com. "Sad to see him go and not get the chance to play with him anymore."
Gardner contrasted the Yankees' approach with Rodriguez to that of Mark Teixeira, who is playing out the season.
"It's two completely different situations," Gardner said. I think the ultimate way to go out is to go out on your own terms. Tex is getting a chance to do that. It's sad to see that Alex isn't. You know, I've always been a big fan of him and always loved watching him work; whether that be in the cage, behind the scenes in the weight room or out on the field during batting practice," Gardner continued. "I've seen some of the balls that he hit at Citi Field within the last week or so: 480, 490 feet to left-center. And I know that he can still hit. It's sad to see it all come to an end."
While Gardner is not pleased, the Yankees decision will allow younger players to see the field, which will help jumpstart the Yankees' rebuild.
Who Replace Alex Rodriguez?
Once the Yankees release A-Rod on Friday, they'll have an open spot on the roster. With few power hitters, there's an obvious choice for the team to call up: Aaron Judge. The 24-year-old is having a big season in Triple-A, with a .265/.359/.467 slash line and 16 homers. He missed a month with a knee injury, but just recently came off the disabled list. Calling up Judge could also help fill a role in right field, where Aaron Hicks is getting the bulk of the time. It's to get Judge up to the majors to get him some needed playing time.
Follow our New York Yankees team page for all the latest Yankees rumors or download the Chat Sports App!
Back to the New York Yankees Newsfeed