During the MLB off-season, the New York Yankees were linked to big-name free agents like Carlos Correa, Corey Seager and others. But General Manager Brian Cashman went in a different direction by filling out important positions as they got better on defense, more athleticism and speed on the bases to balance the offense.
They traded Gary Sanchez to the Minnesota Twins for Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner- Falefa to make the team better. The Yankees believe shortstop Anthony Volpe, the organizations top prospect, with Somerset Patriots will be ready soon. Then they traded for catcher Jose Trevino from the Texas Rangers.
The Yankees' goal was to get better on defense, which they did, by moving Gleyber Torres back to second baseman, his normal position. However, Cashman kept getting criticized by all the fans for not spending big.
Aaron Judge's contract was a big talk during the off-season, whether or not they can come to an agreement. The two sides were unable to come to an agreement and will discuss a new deal at another time. During spring training, they said the team got better by having more depth on the bench with the Marwin Gonzalez signing, as he can play multiple positions. Also, they made trades to add more pitching depth.
The Yankees started off the season slow, as the fans started to complain again about another year with a lack of moves from the front office. But something clicked with the Yankees as they started to get on a roll and win a bunch of game.
The pitching staff is among the league leaders in earned run average, while the offense is putting up big numbers as they lead the league in home runs. Judge has 30 home runs which is the best in all of baseball. Pitcher Nestor Cortes, who has an awesome story in his career, has a 2.74 era right now.
Cashman loves to sign under the radar players to help this team. He did that when he signed Matt Carpenter, another player who can play multiple positions. No one expected what he would do for the lineup, but he adjusted quickly and started hitting right away. Carpenter said he feels like a kid again wearing the Yankees uniform. Now, he has 10 home runs already.
This team is something special for sure, but no one expected them to be at 61-25 with a 14-game lead in the AL East in mid-July. Even though they have the best record in baseball right now, there is always room to improve as the Yankees chase their 28th championship.
With the trade deadline looming and the All-Star break on July 19, the Yankees are linked to some names for potential trades. Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals, David Peralta from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ian Happ from the Chicago Cubs and others have been mentioned as potential targets.
Also, the Yankees are looking to trade outfielder Joey Gallo in order to make it work. It will be an interesting trade deadline this year for them and all teams.
The Yankees have six All-Stars this year in Gerrit Cole, Clay Holmes, Giancarlo Stanton, Trevino, Cortes, and Judge.
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