The newest trend in Major League Baseball is a bit disturbing as big market teams are trying to shed payroll, using the luxury tax as justification. Even the most popular team in the world is deploying this strategy and the Seattle Mariners may be in a unique position to take advantage.
The Yankees are reportedly the heavy favorite to land free-agent prize Gerrit Cole this winter but are worried about rising above the luxury tax and as such, have reportedly made left-handed pitcher J.A. Happ “very available” in a trade.
The Yankees’ goal is to move as much of his $17 million as possible and according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic(click here for article), they are willing to attach good prospects to make it happen.