As the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline approached, Yankees fans were enrapt. Which players would GM Brian Cashman acquire to help the club with this year’s playoff push, and at what cost in terms of prospects?
Ninja Cash came through, landing a quartet of big-league players without giving up a single top prospect. He also made some under-the-radar moves, trading away spare parts in exchange for international bonus pool signing money.
These dollars were immediately spent to sign top available talent. Switch-hitting shortstop Alexander Vargas (ranked number eight by MLB Pipeline) and right-handed pitcher Osiel Rodriguez (number ten) — both from Cuba — headlined the haul.