New York Yankees: Under the Radar Additions Paying Off
New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has made a number of smart moves over the past few offseason’s. His additions of Neil Walker and Brandon Drury appear to be among some of his best moves.
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has had a habit of making smart, impactful offseason additions.
Two of his most recent pickups, Neil Walker and Brandon Drury, look ready to follow the trend and pay immediate dividends for the team.
The Yankees were set to deploy the talented, but inexperienced duo of Miguel Andujar and Gleyber Torres to start in the infield. Cashman quickly signed Walker to a one-year, $4 million deal, acquiring him for virtually nothing.
As part of a three-team deal between the Tampa Bay Rays and Arizona Diamondbacks, Cashman traded quality prospects Nick Solak and Taylor Widener.
Walker and Drury have passed the eye test four games into the season.
More from AL East
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- Toronto Blue Jays: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Baltimore Orioles: John Angelos should learn that silence is golden
- Time for the Yankees to embrace change: A call for Brian Cashman’s departure
Walker has performed admirably offensively, with three hits, a double, one RBI and two runs scored.
The former New York Met is a versatile infielder, already seeing time at second base, first base and designated hitter.
Additionally, he’s ready to play third base every now and then.
Drury is off to a red-hot start in pinstripes. The 25-year-old has five hits in 12 at-bat’s to go along with four RBI’s, two runs scored and three walks.
He hit his first home run as a Yankee in the team’s 7-4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on April 1st.
His bat brings power and consistency to the bottom half of the Yankees’ lineup that features mashers Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gary Sanchez.
He is showing serious power in his improving game, with 29 home run’s and 119 RBI’s from 2016-2017.
Next: New York Yankees: Is Tyler Austin Taking Greg Bird's Job?
With steady playing time, he should eclipse the 20 home run mark after hitting 13 in 2017. He’s hit .275 with a .775 OPS in the past two seasons, showcasing that he hits for average and power.
After the brilliant trade for Didi Gregorius, it appears Cashman has once again worked magic in acquiring another Diamondbacks infielder and a solid veteran in Neil Walker.