“This is an Absolute Gut Punch”: New York Yankees Fans Drown in Their Sorrows as Fan-Favorite Pitcher Joins Their AL East Rivals

This off-season has been an unpredictable one, with a lot of players hitting free agency. The New York Yankees are going with a similar roster to last year and are not making too many changes. This is true even though there are positions that need some help, even in the starting lineup.

The Yankee’s biggest deals were re-signing Aaron Judge to a long-term contract, followed by the signing of free agent Carlos Rodon. But the team has also lost their players in free agency this off-season. Most recently, the Yankees lost a relief pitcher to their rival team, causing fans to be very upset.

The New York Yankees lose relief pitcher Chad Green in free agency

Chad Green began his career as a starting pitcher before being converted into a solid relief pitcher. Over the last few years, he has been a good option for the Yankees off the bench. But they have just lost him as he has signed a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays this off-season. Talkin’ Baseball reported the news via Twitter, stating that the Blue Jays had picked him up.

In the Tweet, Talkin’ Baseball said, “Blue Jays grab a reliever that spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Yankees”. Green is recovering from Tommy John surgery at the moment and will miss a lot of the 2023 season. This may be why he was allowed to sign with the Blue Jays so easily. 

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But Yankees fans are extremely upset with the deal. Some fans stated that they were devastated about losing Green. Others commented on his solid play and reliability during the season. All-in-all, fans were not happy with him being allowed to leave. 

According to AP News, “Chad Green and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to an $8.5 million, two-year contract”. Furthermore, there are reportedly options in the deal for 2025 and 2026. It allows for a lot more flexibility as Green recovers from his surgery. The Yankees lose a solid reliever in what has been a somewhat disappointing off-season so far.

The Yankees still have holes to fill

Despite signing Aaron Judge to a 9-year $360 million contract and signing Rodon, the Yankees still have holes to fill. Other than DJ LeMahieu, who is recovering from a toe injury, the Yankees don’t have another leadoff hitter. Furthermore, they are quite weak at left field and need some reinforcements in that position as well.

Watch this story: Is Aaron Judge’s $360 million deal the biggest New York Yankees contract of all time?

The front office should be looking to surround Judge with as much quality as possible. Losing quality players like Green will not be good for the team. What do you think of Chad Green leaving the Yankees and signing with the Toronto Blue Jays? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!