With five weeks until Christmas, the Yankees’ shopping list looks like this: 1) Aroldis Chapman. 2) Further bullpen depth, particularly a proven lefty. 3) Improve the rotation. 4) Value shop for a hitter.
The catch, as it has been for the past few years, is the Yankees want to contend in the upcoming season without damaging the long-term institution. The Yanks did not undertake a complete tear-down rebuild like the Astros or Cubs.
Ownership insisted the team remain competitive while trying to get younger, less expensive and more flexible with the roster. A good deal of that is now complete with Mark Teixeira off the payroll, Alex Rodriguez and CC Sabathia a year away from joining him, Brian McCann and most of his money for the next two seasons now gone, and the indoctrination of youngsters such as Greg Bird, Gary Sanchez, Aaron Judge and a few starting pitchers.