This trade upgrades the SS (because they don't have one before this trade), 3B (Donaldson at 36 is still a better player than Gio) and C defense (obviously). Hard to not like this trade alone. But they still need a Freeman/ Olson and they better have reserved the budget for them.
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They're at around 240m for CBT purpose. Next threshold is 250m.Originally posted by CalYankeeFan View PostComment
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The loss of Gary makes this a win.Brian Cashman: "I have no idea."Comment
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Somenotes on nj.com:
More trades to come: Expect general manager Brian Cashman to be exceptionally busy in the coming days. With the increased luxury tax threshold, the Yankees might be able to take on more money or even exceed the first penalty limit. It’s unclear whether the Yankees will go into the season with Kyle Higashioka or Rortvedt as their starting catcher. The Yankees could even look to flip Donaldson and eat some of the two years and $50 million he’s owed for an even better player. Also, what does this mean for DJ LeMahieu, who suddenly doesn’t have a position with Donaldson around.
The end of an era: The Yankees finally decided to pass on Sanchez, who hadn’t been able to live up to the lofty standards he set for himself the first three years in the league. Sanchez debuted in 2016 and finished runner-up in the AL Rookie of the Year race despite playing only two months. By 2019, he was a two-time All-Star. But despite his cannon arm, his defense behind the plate never improved and in some ways regressed. Calls from fans to DFA the former top prospect came after his terrible 2020, in which he hit just .147. He wasn’t a ton better in 2021, hitting only .204 with 23 homers, 54 RBI and a .730 OPS while turning in typically underwhelming glovework.
Who is Rortvedt? Rortvedt, a Twins second-round pick in 2016, was the Twins’ No. 26 prospect going into the 2021 season, according to Baseball America. He’s excellent defensively but doesn’t hit much. Rortvedt is a lefty hitter who could form a platoon with the righty swinging Higashioka.
Could get awkward: Gerrit Cole and Donaldson don’t have the best relationship. Donaldson last year singled out Cole as the face of MLB’s sticky stuff problem.
Can they teach IKF to hit more? Last season, Kiner-Falefa posted a .312 on-base percentage and a .670 OPS in 158 games. Remember when the Yankees traded for Didi Gregorius and nobody thought he could hit? Well, Gregorius turned it around. Could this guy? Kiner-Falefa won’t be a free agent until after the 2023 season.
Interesting stopgap: The Yankees expect top prospect Anthony Volpe to take over at shortstop in the Bronx either next year or soon after. Kiner-Falefa’s presence won’t stop Volpe’s progress if he’s hitting like he’s expected to hit. The Yankees also have their other top shortstop prospect, Oswald Peraza, at Triple-A.
We’re continuing to update this story.
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Agreed. I like this trade. I think IKF is the underrated part of it. OAA hates him but other metrics like him defensively (+10 DRS). He had more hits last year than anyone else on the team. He doesn't K or whiff. It's actually shocking and encouraging they are going this way.Originally posted by kan_t View Post
They still need to do something about Hicks, Gley, and Voit, but this is promising...Comment
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Taking an aging Donaldson (full salary) back in this trade is what makes me hate this trade. We know Hal isn't going to spend like Uncle Steve across the pond, so Cash blowing 1/10th of his budget to get a stopgap defensive SS/ future utility man really hampers our ability to plug all the holes we have. We scored 115+ less runs than Sox/Jays/Rays and haven't closed the gap at all.Let's Go Yankees!Comment
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Originally posted by Pakimobzta View Posthttps://twitter.com/RyanGarciaESM/st...7Zo8QUK4CmLt_gSteamer Projections (per 650)
Josh Donaldson: 3.4 fWAR
IKF: 2.2 fWAR
Ben Rortvedt: 2.1 fWAR (per 450)
Gio Urshela: 1.6 fWAR
Gary Sanchez: 1.6 fWAR (per 450)
The Yankees have added 7.8 Projected WAR and lost 3.2 Projected WAR, for a Net WAR of 4.6. That cost them $14 million.Comment
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I agree so far this trade is weak. If getting rid of Sanchez is your cause celebre , then great, mission accomplished. I dont see us stronger at short,third or catcher offensively. I'll wait and see the follow up but right now it is TBDOriginally posted by Pakimobzta View PostComment
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Love the trade for the sole purpose of seeing Sanchez go.Comment
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typical Cash move though - trying to get that SS he has a thing for willing to eat salary to get him. Can't just adjust and get a different SS with that money. Has to get the one he wanted and then overpay in prospect (or in this case, money) for him.Originally posted by Pakimobzta View PostComment
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People are going to miss Gary when they see the garbage we trot out there next yearComment
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Perhaps, but the pitching staff won’t.Originally posted by ElectricStuff View Post“Nobody teaches life anything.” - Gabriel García MárquezComment
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Donaldson at 36 is still a valuable player. They basically add a Joey Gallo (production wise) to the lineup.Originally posted by joshuaeagan View Post
My bad feeling about this trade is not about the players, but the budget Cashman works around.Comment
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We definitely got better at 3rd offensively. Notably, Donaldson excels against lefties.Originally posted by hhill View PostComment
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We need to see the endgame. As is, I don't see a plus in unloading Sanchez for 2 no hit catchers, an over the hill 3rd baseman and weak hitting shortstop.Originally posted by ElectricStuff View Post
The defensive improvement is offset by a weaker offense making it a neutral exchange.Comment
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