The New York Yankees have a certain standard to uphold. Reaching the postseason is not enough – they are expected to reach the World Series. While George Steinbrenner is not there any longer, and his constant demands to win are not being vocalized, the expectations are still the same amongst the fanbase.
However, the Yankees have not made their way back to the World Series since 2009. Although they managed to win 92 games last year, the season was marked more by their insistence on dipping under the luxury tax than in getting the pieces needed to take a run at a championship.
Three moves for the New York Yankees this offseason
This offseason should be different. The Yankees are under the luxury tax, and no matter what it may be in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, their penalty has been reset. They are ready to spend and to be the force they had been in free agency in the past. At least, as long as ownership does not get in the way.
The New York Yankees are in the midst of one of their longest championship droughts in franchise history. Let’s look at three moves they can make to get back there.
Move on from Gary Sanchez
The New York Yankees have been dancing around the Gary Sanchez question for years.
During the previous offseason, there were questions as to whether or not he would even be tendered a contract. Ultimately, he was brought back, but again lost playing time to Kyle Higashioka. The constant movement in and out of the lineup, and the questions about his future with the team, have eroded his performance.
Frankly, the time to trade Sanchez was during the previous offseason. He only has one year of team control left, and his continually waning performance is not going to get the Yankees much of a return.
But he could be useful as part of a trade package. There are enough teams in need of a catcher that someone may take a chance that Sanchez can rediscover his form with a change of scenery. A team such as the Marlins, for example, could work as a landing spot.
The New York Yankees need to make a decision behind the plate. It is time for Gary Sanchez to head elsewhere.