The Yankees had a chance to be bold this offseason. They could’ve splurged for Manny Machado or Bryce Harper, or even Patrick Corbin, but instead opted to spread the money around on several good players rather than one or two great players. Calling it an offseason of half-measures is probably unfair. Clearly though, the Yankees could have done some bigger things and passed.
Among the offseason pickups was veteran southpaw J.A Happ, who pitched so well for the Yankees following last year’s trade (2.69 ERA in eleven starts) and has had a renaissance in his early-to-mid-30s. Rather than sign Corbin to a deal that would’ve carried him through his age 35 season, the Yankees gave Happ a little two-year contract (with a vesting option) that covers his age 36-37 seasons.