BRONX, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 21: New York Yankee general manager Brian Cashman speaks to the media during a press conference at Yankee Stadium on December 21, 2022 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The New York Yankees have caused some hand-wringing in the Bronx with a quiet, perhaps even tepid, offseason. But their most significant move might now drive some additional changes before next season begins.
After several weeks of winter went by without Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman and company landing a significant addition for the roster, the team was able to negotiate a return for star slugger Cody Bellinger. And with Bellinger back in the fold, the Yankees could now be ready to explore some more changes to the roster.
“By agreeing with Cody Bellinger on a new contract on Jan. 21, the Yankees’ top offseason task was completed,” Pete Caldera wrote for NorthJersey.com. “And the potential for a significant trade exists, now that Bellinger is secured on a five-year, $162.5 million free agent deal that includes opt-outs after years two and three.”
New York Yankees’ $162 Million Move Opens Door To Spencer Jones Trade
Bellinger’s return seemed to open the door to more moves for the Yankees by crowding the outfield. With Bellinger back, plus Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham locked into outfield spots, it’s unclear where top-ranked younger sluggers like Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones will find at-bats.
“This is now a crowded outfield, with Bellinger in left field, Trent Grisham in center and Aaron Judge in right, which impacts the playing time of switch-hitter Jasson Dominguez and lefty-hitting prospect Spencer Jones,” Caldera added.
New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman Sends Message On Trading Spencer Jones
Dominguez saw his everyday major league debut last year, while Jones appears to be nearing his own after a strong campaign in the minors. But of the two, perhaps Jones is the more likely to be shipped away from the Yankees following some notable comments from Cashman that opened the door to a potential trade.
“He’s an exciting young talent that’s, again, unproved at the major league level,” Cashman said of Jones, per MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “We’re going to find out at some point — or somebody else would find out at some point, if they pry him away from me.”
It’s pretty rare for a front office executive to openly acknowledge that a top-ranked prospect could realize his potential with another organization, particularly one as well regarded as Jones. He is ranked as the No. 4 overall talent in the Yankees’ system and he’s coming off of a .274/.362/.571 campaign in High-A with 35 homers.
But as the Yankees look to address a questionable bullpen and a rotation that will be without some key injured pieces to start the season, perhaps Cashman is sending a message about the future talent he is willing to leverage for a win-now addition before next season begins.