New York Yankees: Grading The Offseason

Sep 5, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees third baseman

(12) hits a single against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. The Royals defeated the Yankees 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 offseason has been a revelation for the New York Yankees. General Manager, Brian Cashman, has made moves similar to that of a small market team rather than an “Evil Empire”.  The reason behind this can be explained in two words: luxury tax.

The Yankees are not so far away from being under the luxury tax threshold, which is currently set at $189 million. With the contracts of Mark Teixeira, Carlos Beltran, and possibly CC Sabathia (he has a vesting option for 2017) expiring in 2016, there is hope that for the first time since the luxury tax was implemented in 2003, the Yankees could fall under the threshold. If they can successfully achieve this, they would avoid being forced to pay millions in penalty fees.

This is why the Yankees have not gone out and signed one of the marquee free agent pitchers on the market, despite their starting rotation having a number question marks. There is one high-priced player, however, that is on the Yankees radar.

According to MLB.com, the Yankees are one of the favorites to sign Cuban star, Yoan Moncada. Moncada comes with a high price tag, but he may be worth spending money on. At age 19, the switch-hitting infielder will give the Yankees some much needed youth – something Hal Steinbrenner has put an emphasis on going forward.

The offseason is certainly not over, and there is still time for the Yankees to bring life to what has been an otherwise boring winter. But they can only be graded on what they have done to this point.

Next: OF Re-Signed