The Yankees overhauled their player development department in recent years as training techniques and technologies entered a new age. In part, they were catching up to other clubs in the industry and embracing Brian Cashman’s mantra that the Yankees should act like the Yankees and have access to all the best available tools.
Beyond that, it’s just a good model for an organization to have. Perhaps the most straightforward (and cheapest) way to build a baseball team is through the consistent acquisition and development of young talent, and while the Yankees have the resources to pay major league free agents, they come with expensive contracts and long-term commitments.