Read an article in the Post that said the Yankees are picking up the option on Britton, but declining on Gardner.
I think 90% of us expected these two moves. Britton was their best late inning guy last year and fastballs with sinking motion always plays well. Gardy is at best a 4th OF next year, barely ahead of Tauchman, so not worth $10 mill vs Tauchman's $600k. He does get a $2.5 mill buy out. I think they try to resign him to a lower deal. But if the ax is coming out they may just walk away and go with Tauchman and maybe Florial.
Tanaka, IMV, is the only other guy they look to bring back, but what are they willing to pay? I suspect he is still worth in the $12-$15 mill range, but what does Hal allow? My guess is that Deivi Garcia is the guy that would replace him in the rotation - lots of junk with a better FB.
I don’t think the pressure is as intense on Cashman after the Rays lost in the World Series. Let’s see him freshen up this team without signing free agents.
If the Mets want to spend this winter, were I Cashman, I would check in to see if they would be interested in Chapman. The Mets bullpen is a mess, and the Yanks have depth and closing options. That $17M can be better spent fortifying the rotation and maybe middle INF options.
If you have better SP options who can go deep into games, you don’t need quite so many relief options.
(and btw - the fact that TB declined his $15M is yet another harbinger that this is likely to be a very bad offseason for the players at large)
I have read that he is debating retirement. Last time around in FA, he said he wanted to play near family- and they live in Florida.
Paxton- no, IMO. He seems to be one of those guys who always spends time on the DL, meaning you will have to scramble to find someone to fill in for 5-10 starts for him. When healthy he is usually very good. However, how healthy will he be after a dreaded forewarn strain (usually a precursor to TJ surgery).
Happ- absolutely not. I think he would take it to spite the team for preventing his option for kicking in.
I don’t think Gardner gets one- nor should he. He really is near the end offensively and it is time to see what Frazier can do full time. Tauchman is a hit or miss guy- but I suspect there will be some number of 4th/5th OF types still available in FA in February who will sign cheap.
Paxton- no, IMO. He seems to be one of those guys who always spends time on the DL, meaning you will have to scramble to find someone to fill in for 5-10 starts for him. When healthy he is usually very good. However, how healthy will he be after a dreaded forewarn strain (usually a precursor to TJ surgery).
Happ- absolutely not. I think he would take it to spite the team for preventing his option for kicking in.
I don’t think Gardner gets one- nor should he. He really is near the end offensively and it is time to see what Frazier can do full time. Tauchman is a hit or miss guy- but I suspect there will be some number of 4th/5th OF types still available in FA in February who will sign cheap.
Happ was let go. Gardner did not have his option picked up. I doubt they offer Masa $18.9 mill, he will be let go to enter free agency. IMO, I would not re-sign Paxton, like you I am leery of the forearm strain and his penchant for the IL.
Might be time to go young.
@Yankees
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13m
The Yankees have extended a qualifying offer to INF DJ LeMahieu.
DJ - ( New Window )
Gardner for $5 mill would be ok. The others, ah no unless they can get Tanaka for really reasonable.
Gardy is a good 4th or 5th OF - unless they think Florial is ready. Then stay with Tauchman and work with Florial.