Now what?
Sure, the Yankees pulled a second stunner in as many days on Thursday, coming from out of nowhere to acquire first baseman Anthony Rizzo from the Cubs.
The deal came a day after general manager Brian Cashman traded for outfielder Joey Gallo from the Rangers.
Introducing Yankees Insider: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers
Here’s what could come next:
A Luke Voit trade: With the addition of Rizzo, it’s almost impossible to imagine Voit’s time in pinstripes as anything but over. The Yankees have motivation to move Voit and the rest of his remaining $4.5-million salary, and there should be teams interested in him despite his injury history. Voit is currently on his third trip to the injured list this season, thanks to left knee inflammation. He won’t be a free agent until after the 2024 season. As long as Voit can stay healthy, he could be immensely valuable. Of course, that’s a big if.
The addition of a bullpen piece: According to a source, the Yankees were prioritizing relief help as they were also discussing Rizzo with the Cubs. With several members of their bullpen shaky, the Yankees might like to add a back-end type, similar to how the Blue Jays acquired Brad Hand from the Nationals. Because the Cubs and Rangers have agreed to pay the salaries remaining for Rizzo and Gallo, the Yankees still sit about $4 million away from the $210-million luxury tax threshold that owner Hal Steinbrenner seems loathe to exceed.
Purgatory for Clint Frazier, Miguel Andujar: Both are on the injured list. Manager Aaron Boone said Frazier (vision/neurological) could begin a rehab assignment soon. Miguel Andujar (wrist) was still waiting to begin baseball activities. But here’s the thing: Where would either of them fit on the Yankees’ current roster? Nowhere except Triple-A, right? Maybe Frazier could work as a fifth outfielder, though Andujar might be ahead of him in the pecking order at this point. Andujar wouldn’t work as a bench piece because he can’t play shortstop and the Yankees seem mostly done with him at third base.
Giancarlo Stanton outfield experiment: What’s the point now? With Gallo, the Yankees can start him in left field at Marlins Park instead of Stanton and leave Stanton as a pinch hitter. Though, if they want to get funky, they could move Gallo to center field and start Stanton in left for one or two games with Aaron Judge in right field.
Get Yankees text messages: Cut through the clutter of social media and text with beat writers and columnists. Plus, get breaking news, exclusive insight and analysis every day. Sign up now.
Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.
Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
