After Yankees 2023 Apocalypse, Can Brian Cashman Work Offseason Magic and Win Fan Approval Again?

Brian Cashman has made some “questionable” decisions. So say the fans; and hence with it comes a rather enraged demand for big changes. As promised, the leadership, including Hal Steinbrenner and Cashman, have supposedly begun turning the wheels after the 80-82, 2023 season. If their moves this offseason are impactful enough, they could potentially turn around an agitated fanbase into an appreciative one.  But the real question is, what are they doing to make this happen?

While there are talks that they are potentially going to secure some new competitive talents for 2024, there has been no definitive news from the New York Yankees officially. This winter’s free agency market is hot and the Yankees faithful hope that a regretful situation, like that of not signing Bryce Harper, does not rise again. 

What Is Mastermind Planning?

Maybe things are not as bad as portrayed. The owner, in all praises for Cashman, said, “I do like the passion”. Perhaps that does come from a rationale that hasn’t been revealed to the public or the media yet. It’s true, as per sources, that New York plans on onboarding a couple of the biggest names in the free agent market, including Juan Soto, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Cody Bellinger. But isn’t it about time? 

Right before the GM meets at Scottsdale, Arizona, captain Aaron Judge said, “I think once we get past [the World Series] and through the offseason is when we’re going to see bigger moves. We have still got a lot of time, but I know they are busy working. Literally since our season ended, I know they have been working down there in Tampa. They are working hard and I am looking forward to getting some updates.” With that, the time has come and an eager fan base awaits answers. 

The Yanks did start making moves, though. They traded first baseman and outfielder Jake Bauers to the Milwaukee Brewers earlier in November. In turn, they welcomed minor league outfielders, Jace Avina and Brian Sánchez. A move that will come to fruiting in March next year. Considering that there might be some areas of improvement apart from in outfielding, they need to get the ball rolling with other players too. Having said that, the GM of 25 years has this one year in his hand to stir the much needed transformation. 

Brian Cashman’s Eyes Are On Two of These Players

There has surely been a sense of relief when Jon Heyman stated that he thinks the Yankees have a chance to sign two of the three players who are most closely related to the team: Juan Soto, Cody Bellinger, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Yes, it would be a costly affair, and Hal Steinbrenner might try to use money to solve the team’s problems, just like his father did. There is no doubt that the squad really needs some star power, and perhaps two of these three can provide it. At this point, the Yankees and Cashman are in dire need to cleanse their optics of delivering the worst season in 30 years and being the unpopular General Manager, respectively.

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The 56-year-old GM had addressed this earlier in his media conference and shared possibilities of having these premium players onboard. His words were, “We’re knocking on those doors, we’re having those conversations. Hal Steinbrenner and his family have always run it the way that if there’s some opportunity worth pushing through on, they’re always there to allow that to happen”. Following this, another piece of speculative information started doing the rounds recently which, if legit, can be the ultimate harbinger of fortune for the Bronx. 

Signs That The New York Yankees Plan On Bagging Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Speaking of the New York Yankees and Yoshinobu Yamamoto courtship, special gestures are signaling a potential union. Though small, it is an instrumental bit that helps one predict Cashman’s mega move in the pursuit of a successful 2024. Per MLB sources, the Yanks have saved the number 18 for Yamamoto in 2022. Not only is it the 25-year-old’s number with the NPB’s Orix Buffaloes, but is also symbolically known as the ‘ace’ number in Japan. 

According to MLB insiders, the 2017-debutant will whittle down his list of teams after the first round of remote meetings. He then plans on returning to the United States for in-person meetings with the chosen finalists following the conclusion of MLB’s Winter Meetings, which are set to take place in Nashville from December 4–7.

The world might just get the big news soon enough. But will the NYY be a part of that celebration? While there is rigorous work going on behind the scenes, the fans eagerly wait to know what’s next. Will Brian Cashman be able to orchestrate an off-season spectacle to garner appreciation from the passionate fans?

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