New York Yankees fans are waiting for the team to make more additions after signing Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodon. There have been rumors that the Yankees could be interested in making a trade for an outfielder, and the highest members of New York’s front office have indicated that the roster for the 2023 MLB season isn’t set.
“All I can tell you is that we’re not done yet.” Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner told reporters Wednesday after officially announcing Judge’s new contract and making him the Yankees captain at a press conference Wednesday.
Hal Steinbrenner: “All I can tell you is that we’re not done yet.” Wouldn’t get into specifics of how much more he’s willing to spend. Mentioned potentially upgrading the bullpen, the lineup. #Yankees
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) December 21, 2022
Rumors have linked the Yankees to several outfielders this offseason. With Andrew Benintendi and Michael Brantley signing elsewhere, New York’s options in free agency are dwindling.
The Yankees could sign Michael Conforto, who remains a free agent and missed the entire 2022 season because of shoulder surgery. Bryan Reynolds and Max Kepler are viewed as potential trade options for New York. The Yankees have reportedly shown interest in trading for one of the Arizona Diamondbacks outfielders.
The addition of Rodon arguably gives the Yankees one of the best rotations in baseball. Ace Gerrit Cole has been a top-10 Cy Young candidate in five straight seasons. Nestor Cortes had a 2.44 ERA last season and finished eighth in the AL Cy Young voting. Luis Severino posted a 3.18 ERA, looking similar to his 2017 and 2018 All-Star campaigns.
None of the Yankees holes in the lineup and the bullpen, however, have been filled this offseason.
Judge was part of a lineup that hit .162 while being swept by the Houston Astros in the ALCS. The Yankees re-signed the AL MVP and Anthony Rizzo. Matt Carpenter left for the San Diego Padres. New York has yet to add a new player who might contribute offensively in 2023.
Tommy Kahnle is the Yankees’ one bullpen addition of the offseason. New York could use another reliable relief pitcher on the roster.
Steinbrenner doesn’t seem likely to acquire another high-priced player after giving Judge and Rodon $522 million combined in guaranteed contracts. Just across town, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has committed to paying over $800 million in new contracts this offseason.
The Astros are still favored to repeat as American League champions. It might take one or two more moves for the Yankees to catch Houston and make their first World Series appearances since 2009.
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