Trade season has come early as the Yankees have addressed two needs with one aggressive move by exchanging minor leaguers Blake Rutherford, Ian Clarkin, and Tito Polo, along with Tyler Clippard, for David Robertson, Tommy Kahnle, and Todd Frazier. The big trade immediately addresses short term needs in the bullpen and at first base, but what does it mean for the franchise as a whole going forward?
As with any trade, the quality of the players involved is obviously important, but the contract situation each player is perhaps equally significant.