Yankees will make one deal and one signing

admin | December 9, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The acquisition of Juan Soto by the New York Yankees was the greatest move of the MLB offseason, but general manager Brian Cashman needs to do more to make his team a contender for the World Series.

The Yankees should make the following trade and sign this free agent.

Trade: Acquire Brewers RHP Corbin Burnes

The Yankees will need to make up for losing numerous talented pitchers after adding Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Trent Grisham to their outfield, which completely changed it. Burnes would be a good backup plan even if they’re still seen as favorites to sign Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Burnes struck out 200 hitters over 193.2 innings last season with a 3.39 ERA.

Entering his last season under team control, Burnes is unlikely to re-sign with Milwaukee, especially given his admission that the arbitration process during the previous offseason strained his relationship with the franchise. Jon Heyman of the New York Post stated on Wednesday that rival teams now “believe there’s a decent chance” Milwaukee moves the three-time All-Star and previous Cy Young champion, Burnes, despite the fact that it appeared doubtful Milwaukee would contemplate selling him earlier in the offseason.

During the winter meetings, manager Aaron Boone disclosed to reporters that veteran DJ LeMahieu will be the team’s regular third baseman in 2024. This development will create an intriguing dynamic between Gleyber Torres and Oswald Peraza at second base.

Although the 23-year-old Peraza would command a higher trade price, he is currently not a better option than Torres and needs more playing time. A versatile infielder like Peraza would be an alluring headliner in a package for Burnes, especially in light of the fact that Milwaukee’s second and third basemen combined for -0.2 and -0.9 WAR, respectively, in 2023.

Signing: Ink utility man Whit Merrifield

Owner Hal Steinbrenner might as well add All-Star talent to his bench if he is truly all in during the offseason. Merrifield, who split time between second base and the corner outfield positions for the Toronto Blue Jays last season, slashed.272/.318/.382 with 11 home runs, 67 RBI, and 26 stolen bases.

Merrifield is more of a luxury than a necessity given the recent roster turnover and the second base situation, but he would still be a valuable addition for the Yankees. With Soto going to the Bronx, it wouldn’t hurt to have another capable defensive replacement for the outfield, and Merrifield is likely a more dependable offensive option than Peraza at this point in their careers.

After ranking 29th in hits (1,207) and batting average (.227) last season, the Yankees will most likely be among the leaders in home runs in 2024. However, they will need more players who can consistently generate contact. Merrifield has been a rock throughout his career, amassing the seventh-most hits in MLB (1,184) since his debut in May 2016. Despite his age, the three-time American League stolen base leader can still contribute as a pinch runner for a Yankees team that stole 100 bases in 2023, ranking 21st in the majors.