New York Yankees 2018 Roster Prediction Roundtable
What players will the New York Yankees chase in the offseason? What will be the package/contract that they will be traded for/sign?
With the loaded 2019 free agent class looming, I don’t think the Yankees will go crazy in free agency this year. If they shop around, it will be for a starting pitcher.
Tanaka’s opt-out clause will determine how aggressive they are. I think Tanaka’s injury concerns and inconsistent regular season will cause him to opt into his contract for the final three years and $67 million.
If Tanaka opts out and the Yanks are looking to free agency to add a starter, I don’t think they’ll be shopping at the top of the market and will stay away from Yu Darvish (31 years old) and Jake Arrieta (32), who will likely get $25-$30 million annually.
In the interest of getting under the luxury tax threshold, I think they’ll look more towards Lance Lynn (31 in May) or Alex Cobb (30) in the $15-$18 million range. I also expect New York to re-sign CC Sabathia for one or two years at around $15 million annually.
After the impact he had on the clubhouse, I hope the Yankees re-sign Todd Frazier as well. I think he should get a similar deal to Sabathia.
This is a young team that should get better with time and doesn’t need to add too much this offseason. If they can bring back some of their own free agents and promote a few prospects, the 2018 New York Yankees should be playoff contenders again.
The big trade the Yankees could make would be shedding Jacoby Ellsbury and his contract. Set to make just over $21 million per year over the next three seasons, if New York trades Ellsbury, they’ll likely have to eat a good chunk of the contract. That may be worth it, however, to create room for Clint Frazier and Ellsbury’s .337 September average may make this offseason the best time to move him.
Which prospects will make the team next year?
Being that the 2017 New York Yankees were such a young team and I think they bring most of their free agents back, there may not be many new prospects on their Opening Day roster. However, as the season plays out, injuries and underperformance are inevitable and prospects will be called up to help.
At some point during the 2018 season, I expect to see top prospect Gleyber Torres make his debut. Once he fully recovers from Tommy John surgery, he should continue to push his way to the majors and see time at third base, shortstop, and second base.
Top pitching prospect Chance Adams will also likely make his big league debut. Tanaka’s option and CC’s free agency will determine if Adams gets a spot in the starting rotation on Opening Day but he’ll be with the Yankees at some point. He’s pitched too well the last two seasons not to get a shot next year.
After making his debut in 2017, Miguel Andujar should be back in 2018. Andujar was sent back down to the minors, despite a stellar debut at the plate, to work on his defense. We’ll have to see if he can man the hot corner but Andujar can definitely hit. Perhaps he’ll be the Yankees designated hitter in 2018.
Pitchers Justus Sheffield and Domingo Acevedo and outfielder Billy McKinney could make their major league debuts during the 2018 season as well.
And finally, what is your 25-man roster for next season? Take into account the free agents you sign and re-sign and players you trade/trade for.
Pitchers (12): Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, Sonny Gray, CC Sabathia, Jordan Montgomery, Chasen Shreve, Adam Warren, Chad Green, Tommy Kahnle, David Robertson, Dellin Betances, Aroldis Chapman
Infielders (9): Gary Sanchez, Greg Bird, Starlin Castro, Todd Frazier, Didi Gregorius, Miguel Andujar, Austin Romine, Ronald Torreyes, Chase Headley
Outfielders (4): Brett Gardner, Aaron Hicks, Aaron Judge, Jacoby Ellsbury
Predictions from Sean Dyer