New York Yankees: Empire Writes Back’s 2019 roster prediction roundtable
John Carroll’s predictions
Please note, these predictions are all direct quotes from the participants to me.
“The Yankees this offseason will be very busy.
That is not any kind of secret and they shouldn’t be quiet after coming up short in the playoffs the last three times they have made it.
This free agent class is lackluster beyond the generational talents in Bryce Harper or Manny Machado.
But, the Yankees will get whoever they need, they always do.
So, as for who is staying, that one is difficult. But with Brett Gardner already resigned, it clears up a lot of previous questions.
I can see J.A Happ staying. Keeping him around makes sense because he’s a comfortable starter which the Yanks desperately need.
Another under the radar name that could be kept is Zach Britton. There will be a market for him, but the Yanks could win him back.
As for who they will sign, I think the name that everyone thinks is Patrick Corbin. That is almost a given.
The Yankees will by far give him the most money and he can finally come in and be a top-tier ace this team needs.
As far as more outside free agent targets, I don’t see the Yankees going all-in on one.
It is easy to think the Yanks have and could spend the money on Harper or Machado, but they won’t, they don’t need to with an already expensive outfield and immensely talented infield.
So, their best bet is to lock up Corbin, keep Happ and then rely on some younger arms already in the system.
The Yankees don’t need to overspend or overstock on players for the sake of getting them. Right fit is key for this young team and beyond Corbin, there are not a lot who I think should come along.
Another great thing about the Yankees, is they can win now while keeping some of their prospects. I can see Clint Frazier, yes, I still count him as a prospect, making the team and finally be given a green light to be in the big leagues from opening day, barring health.
The Yankees will likely make some big times trades with their prospects, but Frazier has made it this far. So, he stays.
The others are pitchers.
Chance Adams and Justus Sheffield should both make the big league rosters. The best part is, if they limp into the summer months the Yanks can get ready to thrust Jordan Montgomery back into the rotation and let these kids learn more and eventually be ready if it turns out they are not yet.
Now that I have mentioned the prospects who I think should and will make the team, the Yankees will also make a trade.
They should trade Estevan Florial and Jonathan Loaisiga to the Indians and get Corey Kluber.
There will likely be more substance in that trade, but those are two of the bigger names, more proven prospects it would take to bring in the stuff from the Indians that the Yankees should and need to go out and get.
Also, just a tidbit, if there is ever a way the Yankees can trade Jacoby Ellsbury’s and his contract, they should.
It might not be easy, but should always be considered.
As for my 25 man roster prediction, I’m going with a lot of young players, almost too many but with no Didi and a bulk of prospects, and many players coming back the Yanks have the ability to give them all time.”
Here is the 25 man roster projection, according to John’s predictions:
Pitchers (11): Corey Kluber, CC Sabathia, Patrick Corbin, Chance Adams, Justus Sheffield, David Robertson, Dellin Betances, Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Holder, Stephen Tarpley, Masahiro Tanaka
Catchers (2): Gary Sanchez, Austin Romine
Infielders (4): Luke Voit, Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar, Ronald Torreyes
Outfield (4): Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Giancarlo Stanton, Brett Gardner
The other four spots on the roster will be filled with either depth pieces on the 40-man roster (Tyler Wade, for example) or depth based free-agent signings.
Up next, we have more guesses from our contributors. Matthew Travis dives in and gives his thoughts. *Spoiler he thinks Manny will be in Pinstripes!*