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New York Yankees: Evaluating Brian Cashman’s Offseason Trades

By Nikhil Potpally

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Prior to the start of the season, New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman made some trades, attempting to improve the team.

The starting pitching rotation was a huge question mark at that point, and the loss of Derek Jeter left a void at shortstop. Now in mid-June, I think it’s fair to evaluate those deals, and see how they impacted the team so far.

(This was actually a three team deal with the Diamondbacks receiving LHP Robbie Ray and prospect Domingo Leyba, in exchange for shipping Gregorius to the Yankees)

Let’s see how each of those players is doing, as of June 17:

Shane Greene: 4-6, 5.82 ERA, 68 innings pitched

Didi Gregorius: .237 average, 44 hits, 13 RBI

Ray: 2-1, 1.09 ERA, 24.2 innings pitched

Leyba: .217 average, 23 RBI (minors)

Jun 15, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) connects for a base hit during the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis:

Early on, it seemed like the Tigers won the trade by a mile, with Greene getting off to a 3-0 start with an 0.39 ERA. However, reality set in, and he has drastically cooled off since then. For the Yankees, Gregorius had an absolutely horrible start to the season. It seemed like he couldn’t get a hit, forgot how to play shortstop, and forgot how to run the bases. As of late, he is progressing and has done much better than earlier this season. For the Diamondbacks, Ray has pitched very well while Leyba is still in the minors.

Winner:

I would say the Diamondbacks received the best value in the trade. Robbie Ray is on the rise, and has performed great for them. Gregorius is still recovering from the bad start and there are rumblings that Greene may be moved to the pen.

Let’s see how each of those players is doing, as of June 17:

David Phelps: 4-3, 3.96 ERA, 72.2 innings pitched

Martin Prado: .272 average, 69 hits, 24 RBI

Nate Eovaldi: 5-2, 5.12 ERA, 70.1 innings pitched

Analysis:

Cashman dealt for Eovaldi, thinking that with proper coaching, he can reach his potential. He throws hard, and many thought that he can develop into a very good pitcher. However, he has not yet been able to reach his potential, and it is entirely possible that he never will.

After surrendering 8 runs against his former team in less than an inning, he hasn’t been very good for the Yankees. The win-loss record is somewhat misleading and other than showing occasional flashes, Eovaldi needs to be much more consistent. For the Marlins on the other hand, Phelps has been solid while Prado is the hottest name on the trade market. Phelps has been slightly better than Eovaldi and could have duplicated his performance if he remained with the Yankees. Prado has been good too, and his versatility makes him an attractive trade chip. Prado could have helped the Yankees now, and provide some stability to the 2B position.

Winner:

Unlike the other deal, the winner of this trade is not even close. The Marlins got the better end of this deal, and if they trade Prado away for a good prospect, then it makes Cashman look very bad. (Don’t forget that the Yankees are also paying some of Prado’s contract)

The offseason trades haven’t looked very good for the Yankees so far, and they hoped they could have gotten more production. As good as the Michael Pineda–Jesus Montero deal was from a few years ago, these trades can prove to be the complete opposite in the long run.

Next: Is Michael Pineda the best pitcher in New York?

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