Call to the pen
Fansided

New York Yankees: Front office still has big decisions to make

ByKyle Cardoza|
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 19: General manager Brian Cashman (R) of the New York Yankees speaks during a press conference as Rafael Soriano looks on on January 19, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees signed Soriano to a three year contract. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 19: General manager Brian Cashman (R) of the New York Yankees speaks during a press conference as Rafael Soriano looks on on January 19, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees signed Soriano to a three year contract. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
3 of 4
Yankees
PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 27: Gerrit Cole

Will New York finally give in and acquire Cole?

The trade seemed inevitable when sources first reported it. Analysts expected the Yankees to give up a decent prospect – Clint Frazier possibly – in exchange for the Pirates’ ace. Pittsburgh fans didn’t seem dissatisfied with the plan.

Now the trade looks less likely as the offseason trudges along.

Stories on the deal mentioned Frazier, Gleyber Torres, and Chance Adams as the centerpieces in a possible swap. Torres is out of the picture, as he is the team’s top prospect and potentially the starting second baseman. Adams could be the next pitching prospect to sport pinstripes in 2018.

That leaves Frazier, who, as of now, will probably not own a spot on the big-league roster. The outfield already has four capable starters and Jacoby Ellsbury, who looks to rebound and become relevant once again.

It is essentially time for the Yankees to move on.

Pittsburgh and New York butted heads for several weeks over the situation, and it looks like neither will budge. Houston called the Pirates in regards to Cole, meaning there are more competitors involved for the former UCLA star. But that shouldn’t make a difference.

There are several pitchers that fall within general manager Brian Cashman’s current budget. Whether it be via trade or free agency, he can find a serviceable pitcher to add to the rotation.

Patrick Corbin garnered the front office’s attention mostly because the Diamondbacks said they were interested in Ellsbury. But the southpaw is still a back-end starter that could be utilized in the current staff.

Call to the Pen delved into short-term options nearly two months ago, and every pitcher noted in the article is still up for grabs. Granted, fans won’t dub some of them worthy of a minuscule amount of money for just one season.

The point is that the Yankees still have several routes open to acquire another piece in the rotation. Trading a top prospect for a mixed bag like Cole could backfire.

But that’s just another choice the front office has to make – maybe quicker than expected.

Home/New York Yankees