Anticipation hangs thick in the air as the New York Yankees’ navigate the suspenseful landscape of the off-season. Amidst the flurry of activity, a pivotal moment has arrived with the release of the team’s non-tendered players list. Some departures were anticipated, others catching fans off guard. It’s a critical juncture that could set the tone for the Yankees’ 2024 season, marking the initial moves in a chess game that will undoubtedly shape the team’s destiny. The question now lingers: how will these roster adjustments influence the path the Yankees take in the upcoming season?

Finally, the deed is done. Even though the Yankees didn’t announce the news until an hour after the 8 p.m. ET deadline, they have released approximately $5 million in payroll. With that, they have cleared three roster spots, Friday. This followed the Yankees trading out Jake Bauers with the Milwaukee Brewers. 

The Ones Who Have Been Non-tendered by the New York Yankees

Well, as per a recent tweet by the official @Yankees account, Lou Trivino, Anthony Misiewicz, and Albert Abreu are the ones who have been marked as non-tendered. With this list out, a lot of discussions inevitably have come in. As the trio of relievers have been non-tendered, somehow, things might look up for in the Bronx. 

This appears like a wise move by the Yankees. They bit adieu to Abreu, a longtime aggravating pitcher. Though he had an electric fastball, he was not really able to make an impact out of the bullpen. Given his seemingly often-infuriating performance, Brian Cashman saw to it that the Yanks got rid of him. Seeing him enter another season in 2024 could have proved to be self-sabotaging for New York. 

Unfortunately, Trivino was a sunk cost. After his injury, he had to go through Tommy John surgery in May, with an uncertain return date. There were guesses that he’d be back not before the second half of 2024 at least. That only meant that he would be healthy for September and the stretch run, if that were to happen. Visibly, the franchise did not want to risk it. 

As a pre-arb player, Misiewicz didn’t prove to be financially lucrative for the franchise. The season tragically wound up for him after taking a line drive off his head the previous year. Next up would be dominant questions like Whys and Whats. While the talks of absorbing free agents to the NYY franchise go on, there’s yet to be news on the next course of action. 

Trade Partners For The New York Yankees?

Now with some spots to fill in terms of outfielding, one team might aid the Yanks in doing so. The New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals have often been floated as potential offseason trade aides. The Yankees are profoundly in need of outfield assistance and St. Louis having an abundance of young outfield players could fill this gap. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Dylan Carlson continues being linked to the Yankees, even though there is a possibility that Tyler O’Neill could be a likely Cardinal outfielding candidate to participate in the Bronx trade. 

While the Cardinals may trade O’Neill in favor of holding onto Carlson, one could foresee him go. It’s kind of easy pick. Despite only being 25 years old, Carlson has a track record of 65 RBIs and 18 home runs in 2021. Although, there have been injuries, he has advantages to his name. With a plethora of possibilities in the near future, it is important to learn about the finances of trades that can help make predictions better. 

Making Financially Strategic Moves Keeping the ‘Big Pitcher’ in Mind?

The Yankees approximately saved $5 million during the recent departures. Taking outfielder Jake Bauers into account notwithstanding his trade to the Brewers on Friday for two minor league prospects, that figure jumps to about $7 million. That said, the club now has four spots available on its 40-man roster and $244 million on payroll. Doesn’t it give them some leeway to make future acquisitions? 

Another important point to note here is that the team’s longest-tenured player, Kyle Higashioka, was a candidate potentially on the non-tendered list too. Yet, he made it through Friday’s tender deadline. But that does not imply that he will appear in pinstripes on Opening Day. Don’t forget that their abundance of catching depth is the only reason NYY has been accepting trade offers.

It’s possible that Higgy will be one of the six catchers on the Yankees’ 40-man roster who will be wearing a different uniform. That too is a strategic plan in the making, considering finances. Maybe it’s also in preparation of a cushion for one of the biggest acquisitions that might take place starting Tuesday. 

Read More: Yankees Pivot After Brian Cashman’s Blunder: From Yoshinobu Yamamoto to Aaron Nola, a New Focus Emerges in Pursuit of Star Aces

It is no secret that Yoshinobu Yamamoto is one of the Yankees’ biggest targets this off-season. The star right-hander will be posted by NPB’s Orix Buffaloes, Monday. That would give the big leagues 45 days starting Tuesday to make deal with the pitcher. If New York decides to spend heavily in the upcoming days, Orix’s star player will probably sign the largest first contract of any former NPB player. Now that would be a game changer for the Bronx Brothers. 

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