A new report on what rival general managers believe the New York Yankees will do in MLB free agency this winter is sure to disappoint their legion of fans.
While the Yankees continued their streak of seasons with an over. 500 record this year, the 2023 edition of the team was a massive disappointment. Besides the pandemic shortened 2020 MLB season, the 82 games the team won is their lowest win total since 1995.
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After the roster was a letdown this past season, it would be understandable if the Yankees were again major players in MLB free agency over the next couple of months. However, according to USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale, it seems there are many executives around the league who believe the organization will take a conservative approach to the free agent market this winter.
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“Teams don’t expect the Yankees to spend like the Yankees of old, but of course, will engage with Shohei Ohtani just in case he changes his mind and shows the slightest bit of interest,” Nightengale wrote on Sunday.
MVP candidate Shohei Ohtani is the biggest fish in this year’s free agent market and is a once in a generation talent, so it is understandable if the Yankees would make a play for him if he were willing to bring his talents to New York.
While the news about the team’s pursuit of other major free agents will disappoint Yankees fans, the MLB insider did give a glimmer of hope for the route they might take to make some impact changes to the roster in the coming months.
“The biggest change, rivals says, may be their willingness now to part with prospects for immediate help,” Nightengale claimed.
In recent weeks, the New York Yankees have been linked to a potential blockbuster trade for San Diego Padres All-Star Juan Soto.