Luis Castillo came. Luis Castillo disappeared. A rumor ran across the Internet on Sunday that the Reds star was about to be negotiated with the Yankees.
Reds GM Nick Krall, in text messages to the team’s editors, extinguished this by calling it “completely false”. A Yankees official called the report “BS”.
So, let’s eliminate Castillo – for now. Krall also told reporters, “We intend to have you as a member of our rotation in 2021.” “Pretender” is an interesting word that offers room for maneuver.
But Cincinnati is in a diluted NL Central, has just made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2013 and knows how horribly he would play with his fan base to negotiate his most talented young star.
Still, teams – especially those in smaller markets – should always ask about their best resources: 1. Can we compete for a title in this player’s control period? 2. Will this asset end its control period here or will it eventually be traded? 3. The trading value of the asset will be greater than now: if done right, can a return of $ 1.25 be earned for $ 1 of talent? If you answered no, no and no, why shouldn’t the player be available?
Which brings us to the Yankees, who I believe should be willing to pay $ 1.25 in exchange for $ 1 for the right player. This is no longer the Yankee way. They believe that discipline, logic and the accumulation of good decisions will be rewarded with a sustained window of struggle for the championship. Got it.
Except that some logic has to die with the way these Yankees are winners. They can no longer point to the other Dodgers superpower and say they have not won since 1988. They can no longer expect the Mets to be their tame neighbor in Queens. Hello, Steve Cohen. They cannot expect Gerrit Cole to maintain that level of performance for many more years. After paying for Cole, you are there to earn it. NOW.
The Yankees, however, could look at their division and assess anyone still taking the Blue Jays money, the Red Sox still in rebuilt mode, the Rays having lost Charlie Morton and Blake Snell, and calculating the 2021 AL East victory in probably seven times out of ten. So, why extend it now?
Because that was the theory of last year and the Rays won over AL East. Because they were in Game 2 with a Deivi Garcia / JA Happ hybrid instead of an obvious option.
They can see if Corey Kluber can be Cole’s number 2 at the beginning or if Luis Severino can be when he returns around July 1 after Tommy John’s surgery. There is a needle thread scenario in which Cole, Kluber and Severino are supported by the talent and depth of Garcia, Domingo German, Michael King, Jordan Montgomery and Clark Schmidt.
The most likely scenario is that they need a starter within the negotiation deadline. Why wait? Especially if they can find someone with good value for money and years of control. Castillo falls into that category, as do the following, but 1. I didn’t hear that any of the starters below are available, and 2. If and when they are, starter teams in need with better farming systems than the Yankees, like the Blue Jays, Rays and Twins, could beat them. Still, Yankees must have $ 1.25 available as an attraction for:
1. German Marquez, Rockies
The righty is underrated, durable and does not turn 26 until February. Its killer breaking material would work even better away from altitude. You owe three years to $ 26 million or four years to $ 39.5 million if your 2024 option is chosen and accounts for $ 8.6 million for luxury tax.
Colorado is known for the lack of movement in the commercial market, so don’t expect it. But I think the Rocky Mountains were built the wrong way. To deal with the physical and tactical disadvantage of playing a mile high, the Rockies must be the $ 130 million payroll Rays, filling their organization with weapons of power and their squad with versatility and depth. A financially heavy cast with Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon and Trevor Story keeps home stars that fans like, but prevents proper depth everywhere. They need to deepen and disperse their funds.
If I am the Yankees, at least I will offer a package from Garcia or Schmidt, Clint Frazier or Miguel Andjuar and the Luis Gil or Luis Medina high-ceiling sales prospects and see if that is close to $ 1.25.
2. Kyle Hendricks, Cubs
All the choices on this list are from NL, many from weak NL Central, so consider the competition. But think of Hendricks as a powerful Jimmy Key with durability – an experienced artist with firmness. He is still three years old with $ 43.5 million or four with $ 58 million if his 2024 option is accepted and costs $ 14 million for the luxury tax payroll (so the Cubs would have to take Adam Ottavino as a balance) if the Yankees expected to fall below the $ 210 million limit). The Cubs prefer to move Kris Bryant or Willson Contreras and still try to win NL Central with Hendricks as an ace.
3. Pablo Lopez, Marlins
The Marlins love their rotation among the top three, Sandy Alcantara, Sixto Sanchez and Lopez. But they will have a hard time recruiting the attack. Offer an offer built around Frazier or Andujar plus Estevan Florial. Lopez may not be the second starter, but he is durable, with elite makeup and attack-launching capabilities, and not even eligible for refereeing until the next off-season.
4. Brandon Woodruff, Brewers
Milwaukee has one of the worst agricultural systems of the major companies. Woodruff is one of the few assets to help deepen the talent base. Its material is with Marquez and Castillo, but without the durability or consistency. Therefore, he must bring less in return. Still, he will be 28 in February, has four years of control with these cutting-edge weapons and is expected to receive only $ 3.275 million this season.
5. Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks
Does Arizona look at the Dodgers and Fathers and think it will be a while before they beat NL West? Will Gallen be part of this club? He is not even eligible for arbitration until next season. The rightist has one of the best inventories of pitches, as he is oppressive not only with things, but with diversity.