New York Yankees: Empire Writes Back’s 2019 roster prediction roundtable

My predictions

To start, trade deadline acquisitions Andrew McCutchen, Lance Lynn, and Adeiny Hechavarria will not return to the Yankees next season.

All three became important players for the Yankees down the stretch and into the postseason, but they were always going to be rentals.

The fourth out of five deadline acquisitions was J.A. Happ.

The Yankees would be making a mistake if they do not re-sign Happ this offseason. He pitched like the 1B the Yankees needed all season after the trade, and he can continue to be a serviceable starter for the near future.

The final player acquired at the deadline was Zach Britton.

It would be amazing to bring back Britton, however, he will be looking for much more money than I’d be willing to pay.

The departure of Britton, however, leads to the possibility of the Yankees bringing back David Robertson.

In the case of Neil Walker, he would be another player that the Yankees could bring back, but I think he will leave this offseason. I also see Tommy Kahnle as a non-tender candidate.

Now, to free agency.

I do not have the Yankees getting Manny Machado or Bryce Harper this offseason, contrary to the majority of the Yankees fan base.

First off, Patrick Corbin will be a Yankee come 2019.

The first thing the Yankees should be going after this offseason is a starting pitcher, and Corbin is the ideal fit for the team.

Now, even with the addition of Corbin, Aaron Boone will continue to rely on his bullpen going into next season.

Enter Andrew Miller.

The former Yankee is the perfect fit to return to the Yankees’ bullpen next season. Reuniting No Runs DMC alongside Robertson, Chad Green, and the now-reliable Jonathan Holder can make the bullpen even stronger than it was last season.

It only makes sense.

I have the Yankees signing two more free agents that will make a significant impact in 2019, and maybe the future as well.

Those players are Michael Brantley and Daniel Murphy.

Signing Brantley and Murphy allow for more power in the lineup and more defensive versatility. Both can take advantage of the short porch in right field and have had very solid careers.

On the trading side of the spectrum, Sonny Gray is getting dealt.

It doesn’t matter where, it’s just that we know he is getting traded to a team for a player or cash considerations.

In the case of prospects, Stephen Tarpley and Justus Sheffield are highly likely to make the Yankees out of spring training.

Here is my opening day roster:

Pitchers (13): Luis Severino, Patrick Corbin, Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia, J.A. Happ, Justus Sheffield, Stephen Tarpley, Andrew Miller, Dellin Betances, Jonathan Holder, Chad Green, David Robertson, Aroldis Chapman

Catchers (2): Gary Sanchez, Austin Romine

Infielders (5): Luke Voit, Daniel Murphy, Miguel Andujar, Gleyber Torres, Tyler Wade

Outfielders (5): Brett Gardner, Aaron Hicks, Aaron Judge, Michael Brantley, Giancarlo Stanton

Disabled List (4): Jacoby Ellsbury, Jordan Montgomery, Didi Gregorius, Ben Heller

Thank you to the EWB team who participated. To our readers, feel free to give your predictions in the commetns below! Who do you think the Yanks keep, get rid of, bring in, or call up?

Let us know in the comments below or tweet at us (@empirewritesbck)