WHAT ELSE DO THE YANKEES NEED TO DO IN AN ALREADY GREAT OFFSEASON?

This offseason, the Yankees have done a lot of good things, and I couldn’t be happier with their approach. Sure, there might be a few more minor tweaks on the horizon, but overall, they’ve put themselves in a strong position heading into the season. Until they figure out how to move Marcus Stroman, any other move is likely going to be small filling in gaps rather than making waves.

Speaking of Stroman, there’s only one trade destination that makes sense to me: the St. Louis Cardinals. The financials work out well taking on his salary would still keep the Cardinals under last season’s $183 million payroll, and they could also move on from a seemingly declining Nolan Arenado. There’s been plenty of speculation connecting Arenado to the Yankees all winter, but personally, I’m not thrilled about that idea. However, if the Yankees packaged Stroman with Everson Pereira, it might be a more attractive deal for other teams. That’s the kind of move that could grease the wheels and make things happen. I actually wrote about this in my piece titled: THE YANKEES ARE DOING THAT THING AGAIN... 

But beyond Stroman, there aren’t a ton of pressing needs. The Yankees will probably focus on smaller-scale adjustments—like adding a backup catcher. With Jose Trevino traded earlier this winter, the team brought in defense-first catcher Alex Jackson from the Reds. That means Jackson could back up Austin Wells, or the Yankees could roll with someone like Ben Rice in that role.

Another thing to keep an eye on is the Yankees’ surplus of pitching. That depth is a luxury, especially this time of year, but it could lead to some difficult roster decisions before Opening Day. Not every arm can make the big-league club, especially with some pitchers out of minor-league options. Finding spots for guys like JT Brubaker or prospect Yoendrys Gómez could work. Or someone like Scott Effross.

Alternatively, the Yankees could leverage this pitching depth to upgrade another position—perhaps at third base—or replenish their farm system by dealing a pitcher before the season kicks off. 

However they choose to play it, the Yankees are in a good place, and I’m excited to see how they fine-tune this roster before Opening Day.