One hundred victories a year ago weren’t nearly enough to finish ahead of the Red Sox in the AL East. A wild-card win over the A’s sent them to the ALDS where they were flattened by their blood rivals, who used that as a springboard to another World Series title.
Now in Aaron Boone’s second season as manager, the Yankees didn’t come close to signing Manny Machado or Bryce Harper. Instead, they sprinkled their dollars through several neighborhoods. Relievers Adam Ottavino and Zack Britton signed free-agent deals. Like fellow lefty Britton, starter J.A. Happ returned to The Bronx with CC Sabathia via free agency.