The New York Yankees, in a move that echoed their commitment to the future, decided to waive both Josh Donaldson and Harrison Bader. Prioritizing roster spots for budding talents, the Yankees sought to ensure that these young players had ample opportunities. Unfortunately, Donaldson and Bader did not fit into this futuristic vision.
Brian Cashman, the general manager, had a difficult pill to swallow. He had to release Donaldson despite having recently acquired him from the Minnesota Twins and assuming the hefty $50 million remaining on his two-year contract. The Yankees had envisaged Donaldson as their stalwart third baseman for the foreseeable future, especially given his commendable performance with Minnesota.