This Week in the Yankees Offseason: Devin Williams is a Yankee, Max Fried gets PAID, trade for Tucker and Bellinger, Walker or Alonso?
Yankees GM Brian Cashman is in FULL PLAN B mode. Earlier today, the Yankees made a massive trade to acquire RP Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for SP Nestor Cortes Jr., INF Caleb Durbin and cash. The Yankees finally get bullpen relief and get one of the best in baseball. Although Williams had a hiccup in this past postseason against 1B Pete Alonso and the Mets, he’s had an amazing career taking over as the primary reliever in Milwaukee after Josh Hader went to Houston. He’ll be paired with Weaver, I expect the two will likely close many games for the Yankees. Great move for the Yankees.
On Tuesday night, the Yankees made a blockbuster move by signing free agent LHP Max Fried to an 8-year, $218M contract. It was the largest contract for a left-handed pitcher in baseball history. It was yet another bidding war for the Yankees, but this time, it was against the AL-East rival, Boston Red Sox. Many say that it was a massive overpay and that the Yankees gave him too many years, but the Yankees wanted to secure this acquisition. Offering that eighth year is likely the reason he signed. The money won't hurt the Yankees as much as the years can. The addition of Max Fried to the Yankees rotation gives them much flexibility with their roster and options this offseason. Fried will join Ace Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, and Marcus Stroman in the rotation. Looks like the plan is to upgrade and bolster the pitching side of the roster.
The Houston Astros announced they would hear offers regarding OF Kyle Tucker, who is coming off of three straight all-star seasons. Almost immediately afterward, the Yankees were listed as one of the interested teams. Realistically, a trade between the Yankees and Astros could be viewed as unlikely due to the rivalry, but it is reported that the Astros are interested in rookie of the year, SP Luis Gil. The two teams have engaged in preliminary talks, but Cashman has not offered Gil. He may offer SP Clarke Schmidt, and if he were to get Tucker for Schmidt + prospects, that'd be a steal. The Astros rejected an offer from the Phillies that included OF Nick Castellanos and OF Alec Bohm. There are talks that OF Seiya Suzuki, who'd be traded in a Tucker deal, would not waive his no-trade clause in a Houston trade. This report came from Jim Bowden and Steve Phillips. However, the Cubs are still considered the front-runner for Tucker, and talks have gained momentum over the past few hours. It’ll be interesting to see if Astros Owner, Jim Crane, okay’s this deal.
The Yankees are reportedly also interested in trading for Cubs OF/1B Cody Bellinger. It is unclear where he would play for the Yankees, but a Bellinger trade gives the Yankees versatility with their lineup. He's also a left-handed hitter, and lefties have had lots of success in Yankee Stadium with the short porch. Pitcher Will Warren would likely be traded to Chicago in a deal for Bellinger. The Cubs would like to move him to get him off their payroll, which is the exact reason I would only discuss a trade with them once the Tucker ordeal is sorted out. If you take Bellinger off of the Cubs' payroll, that gives them space to add Tucker in a trade. It's reminiscent of 2022, when the Yankees traded for Twins 3B Josh Donaldson and allowed them to sign SS Carlos Correa. You can't shoot yourself in the foot, and Bellinger isn't good enough to be okay with whiffing on Tucker. The Yankees think the Cubs should pay the remainder of the Bellinger contract, guaranteed $52M for the next two seasons, and that has also halted trade talks. Bellinger would be a good addition but not jaw-dropping. He's revived his career in Chicago after an abysmal last few seasons in LA.
First base still needs to be addressed. Whether it is in free agency or the trade market, it cannot be undermined. If the Yanks acquire Bellinger, he can go there, but there are two free agents the Yankees have been tied to. Christian Walker and the Yankees were reportedly close on a deal for three years worth about $63M, but that was on Tuesday, and they've grown apart since. If the Yankees were to sign Walker, they'd lose draft picks due to Walker receiving a qualifying offer from the D-Backs. He is also 34 years old, and that's not ideal. His numbers aren't good enough to move past the age and draft picks. However, Pete Alonso's market hasn't picked up and could go for cheap. Alonso is reportedly interested in the Yankees, and ever since that report came out, the Yankees have been linked to him. This could easily be a Scott Boras smokescreen, but Alonso to the Yanks would be incredible. Stealing one of the Mets' homegrown players would also be interesting.
The Yankees also reportedly have a mutual interest in SP Walker Buehler. He could be another great addition to the rotation if they miss on Roki Sasaki. They've done their due diligence on OF Teoscar Hernandez and have some interest there. I hope they stay away from Anthony Santander, the Blue Jays are reportedly the favorites on him. He reeks of an overpaid signing. I could be wrong, but I wouldn't like fit.
The Yankees have so many options here that it'd be a shame to see them not come away with at least two of the players previously mentioned in this article. Losing Soto does not have to be the end of the world. Judge, Cole, and Stanton are getting old, and that championship window is closing. The time to act is now. We need the Evil Empire back, add more pitching, and get the best bats.
