The Yankees traded three very recognizable names and high-ceiling prospects to get Sonny Gray from Oakland. Here is the reality: The Yankees’ “rebuild” is in the rearview mirror. They are contenders again. And this is the kind of deal that contenders make.
Jorge Mateo is an elite prospect, but he has spent less than two months above Double-A. James Kaprielian is coming back from Tommy John surgery and still hasn’t pitched above A-ball. Dustin Fowler’s story is a sad one because of the knee injury he suffered in the first inning of his major league debut.