NY indicators infielder Kevin Smith

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By Calvin S. Nelson

Here is the newest Yankees free company and commerce buzz through the 2023-24 MLB offseason…


Jan. 8, 5:03 p.m.

The Yankees have signed free agent infielder Kevin Smith.

The phrases of the deal aren’t recognized, however the 27-year-old has performed in components of three seasons with the Oakland A’s and Toronto Blue Jays. Final season, Smith performed in 49 video games the place he slashed .185/.220/.326 with 5 house runs and 11 RBI.

Smith took to social media to announce his signing, posting an image of himself as a toddler carrying a Yankees hat with the caption “heading house for 2024.”

Jan. 7, 10:40 a.m.

Because the Yankees look to fill out their beginning rotation, they’ve reportedly spoken to a crew for a possible commerce.

New York has spoken to the Marlins about their inflow of younger pitching, Jon Heyman of The New York Put up stories.

The Marlins are reportedly taking inquiries on a number of starters together with Jesus Luzardo, Edward Cabrera, Braxton Garrett and Trevor Rogers.

The report, nonetheless, provides that there isn’t any proof of any actual traction there but.

SNY’s Andy Martino reported this week that the Yankees are working so as to add a starter both through free company or commerce as a part of an “lively” January.

Jan. 5, 12:20 a.m.

Along with wanting on the high free agent starters, the Yankees are additionally pursuing commerce potentialities as they give the impression of being to fill out their rotation.

New York is alleged to be amongst groups which have expressed “honest curiosity” in White Sox right-hander Dylan Stop, in accordance with Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic.

Rosenthal notes that the precise checklist of suitors is not recognized, however the Orioles, Dodgers, Cardinals, and Crimson Sox have additionally proven curiosity within the onerous thrower

Stop is likely one of the high arms accessible on the commerce market coming off a season by which he made a career-high 33 begins and posted a 4.58 ERA whereas placing out 214 batters.

Jan. 4, 2 p.m.

The Yankees have signed right-hander Cody Poteet to a significant league deal, in accordance with The New York Put up’s Joel Sherman.

The deal was pending a bodily which, in accordance with Sherman, was Wednesday.

Poteet, 29, final pitched within the majors with the Miami Marlins in 2022. In 12 appearances (two begins), Poteet had a 3.86 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP. Regardless of signing a minor league contract with the Royals final winter, Poteet underwent Tommy John surgical procedure that stored him out of motion in 2023.

Poteet did make one look in Triple-A the place he pitched two innings and struck out one batter.

As well as, the Yankees claimed OF Bubba Thompson from the Cincinnati Reds.

Thompson, 25, batted .170 (9-for-53) in 37 video games with the Texas Rangers final season. He was claimed by Cincinnati from the Royals in October.

Jan. 3, 9:43 p.m.

After being in on RHP Jordan Montgomery for many of the offseason (which stays true), the Yankees at the moment are additionally “contemplating” the opposite high free agent beginning pitcher available on the market in LHP Blake Snell, per Jon Heyman of the NY Put up.

The reigning NL Cy Younger award winner with the San Diego Padres, Snell may probably hyperlink up with Gerrit Cole, the Cy Younger winner within the AL in 2023, and type a robust 1-2 punch on the high of New York’s rotation.

On whether or not Snell, a Seattle native, has a desire for the West Coast or if the Yankees have an opportunity to land him, his agent Scott Boras mentioned:

“Snell has gained a Cy Younger each on the East and the West Coast, and in each leagues. He’s open to all golf equipment and is in search of profitable and aggressive environments.”

Jan. 3, 11:40 a.m.

The Yankees are reportedly greater than open to bringing again left-hander Jordan Montgomery. In accordance with ESPN’s Jeff Passan, New York would “love” a reunion with Montgomery, however they don’t seem to be the one crew .

The Texas Rangers need to re-sign Montgomery after he helped them win their first World Collection, however Passan stories that the crew would not know the way the Diamond Sports activities’ chapter will have an effect on their tv deal and their funds.

Montgomery was drafted by the Yankees in 2014 and pitched five-plus seasons in pinstripes earlier than he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals on the 2022 commerce deadline for Harrison Bader.

In 98 appearances, Montgomery had a 3.94 ERA over 502.2 innings.

Jan. 2, 8:30 p.m.

The Yankees are amongst groups who’re exhibiting curiosity in a possible reunion with third baseman Gio Urshela, in accordance with Will Sammon of the Athletic.

Urshela loved a breakout marketing campaign in his first season with the Yanks again in 2019, posting career-highs throughout the board whereas enjoying stellar protection on the sizzling nook.

The 31-year-old spent three extra years within the Bronx earlier than being traded to the Twins forward of the 2022 season.

Urshela spent final season with the Los Angeles Angels, however he appeared in simply 62 video games earlier than struggling a left pelvis fracture, which did not require surgical procedure however introduced his season to an finish.

Sammon notes that the Mets have additionally been in touch with the veteran third baseman as they give the impression of being to fill out their roster forward of spring coaching.

Dec. 30, 1:45 p.m.

Former Yankees right-hander Frankie Montas is signing a one-year, $16 million cope with the Cincinnati Reds, in accordance with quite a few stories.

Montas spent a season and a half within the Bronx, however made simply 9 appearances over that span after present process arthroscopic surgical procedure in his proper shoulder.

New York had proven curiosity in a reunion with the right-hander as they give the impression of being to fill out their rotation, however now they will have to show their consideration elsewhere.

Dec. 26, 8:00 p.m.

With ace right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto formally off the board on a historic cope with the Dodgers, the Yankees and lots of different groups must flip elsewhere to fill out their rotation this offseason.

One of many extra intriguing arms remaining on the free agent market is Japanese southpaw Shota Imanaga.

Together with his Jan. 11 deadline rapidly approaching, the 30-year-old is predicted to fulfill with groups in the US after the New Yr, in accordance with the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.

Imanaga would not fairly have the upside Yamamoto possesses, however he is definitely loved his fair proportion of success over the previous few years within the NPB.

Each the Mets and Yanks may make a ton of sense for the left-hander, who struck out 188 batters final season and is seen as extra of a middle-of-the-rotation arm in MLB.

Dec. 17, 11:40 p.m.

If the Yankees fail of their pursuit to signal Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, they plan to be fairly “aggressive” within the free agent pitching market, stories The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

The Yanks have held inner discussions about bringing again left-hander Jordan Montgomery and in addition may probably look to construct, what a supply advised Rosenthal, a “super-charged” bullpen.

Rosenthal added that if the Yanks signal Yamamoto, they are going to possible keep available in the market for extra pitching “in search of inexpensive choices” so as to add to the rotation.

Montgomery pitched to a 3.20 ERA (3.56 FIP) in 188.2 innings over 32 begins in 2023, 11 of which got here for the Texas Rangers after a late July commerce from St. Louis. The soon-to-be 31-year-old struck out 166 and walked simply 48 with a 1.193 WHIP.

Montgomery spent the primary 5 years of his profession within the Bronx earlier than he was traded to the Cardinals for Harrison Bader in his sixth huge league season.

He made six appearances (5 begins) within the postseason in 2023, pitching to a 2.90 ERA (3.90 FIP) over 31 innings en path to a World Collection ring.

Dec. 17, 10:45 a.m.

The Yankees are anticipated to have a second assembly with Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto as early as Sunday, in accordance with SNY’s Andy Martino.

The correct-hander is on the town after he had dinner with a Mets contingent together with supervisor Carlos Mendoza and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner at Steve Cohen’s home on Saturday evening.

Whereas he is within the space, Martino notes he’ll head crosstown to have a second assembly within the Bronx.

The Mets have not made a supply to Yamamoto but, and it is nonetheless unknown if the Yankees have or not, however the course of is predicted to speed up this week.

Dec. 14, 8:30 p.m.

Because the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes proceed, the Yankees are amongst groups retaining their eyes on some contingency plans.

New York is contemplating left-hander Shota Imanaga as a fallback choice in the event that they miss out on Yamamoto, in accordance with Jon Heyman of the New York Put up.

The Mets, Crimson Sox, Cubs, and Dodgers are a number of the others with curiosity.

Whereas Imanaga would not fairly have the upside of the 25-year-old Yamamoto, he did get pleasure from a ton of success of his personal all through his eight-year NPB profession.

The southpaw posted a 2.66 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 188 strikeouts throughout 24 begins final season for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.

Dec. 7, 10:32 a.m.

The Yankees have curiosity in hard-throwing right-handed free agent reliever Jordan Hicks, per Brendan Kuty and Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.

Hicks, 27, has a high-octane fastball that averaged a tick over 100 mph in 2023 and has reached as excessive as 104 mph in common season video games.

He has had a lot of well being points which have hampered him since his rookie season in 2018, when he appeared in a career-high 73 video games. However Hicks was wholesome and really efficient for the Cardinals and Blue Jays in 2023.

In 65.2 innings over 65 appearances in 2023, Hicks had a 3.29 ERA (3.22 FIP) and 1.35 WHIP with 81 strikeouts — a fee of 11.1 per 9.

Dec. 6, 5:35 p.m.

Free agent reliever Robert Stephenson is drawing broad curiosity this week, in accordance with MLB Community’s Jon Morosi, with the Yankees among the many golf equipment concerned.

The opposite groups linked with the right-hander are the Texas Rangers and each Los Angeles groups, the Dodgers and Angels.

Stephenson, who will flip 31 in February, pitched to a 3.10 ERA and 0.879 WHIP with 77 strikeouts to 16 walks over 60 video games a season in the past. However his 12 months did not take off till he was traded to Tampa Bay initially of June.

The righty had a 5.14 ERA via 14 innings with Pittsburg previous to being dealt earlier than closing out the season with a 2.35 ERA over 38.1 innings with the Rays.

Dec. 5, 7:55 p.m.

In his Tuesday media availability, Yankees normal supervisor Brian Cashman confirmed he has had talks with a lot of brokers. Particularly, the group has talked with representatives for Shohei Ohtani and others.

“I talked to [Ohtani’s] agent, I’ll concede that, however depart it at not more than that,” Cashman mentioned.

As Ohtani appears to be like for his subsequent touchdown spot, it is turn out to be recognized that any leaks relating to private conferences shall be held in opposition to the crew. It is being reported that the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Giants, Angels and probably the Cubs are in on the two-way star.

In his discuss with the media, Cashman additionally confirmed that he has spoken with the brokers of Frankie Montas, Wandy Peralta and Isiah Kiner-Falefa about potential reunions.

Dec. 4, 10:20 a.m.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa is drawing curiosity on the free agent market from “about 12 groups, together with the Yankees,” stories the New York Put up’s Jon Heyman.

Groups are contemplating Kiner-Falefa as a 3rd baseman, shortstop and tremendous utilityman, Heyman added.

With the Yankees in 2023, he noticed the vast majority of time within the outfield (29 begins, 278 innings in middle and 28 begins 248 innings in left) and third base (26 begins, 240 innings).

Kiner-Falefa performed over 1,000 innings (131 begins) at shortstop for New York in 2022 after he made 155 begins throughout his closing 12 months with the Texas Rangers, the final time he was an on a regular basis participant. He has additionally achieved some catching in his profession (66 begins) and has spent a while at second base (19 begins).

He’s coming off a tough 12 months on the plate, slashing .242/.306/.340 for a .646 OPS (and a below-average 78 OPS+) in 361 plate appearances over 113 video games for the Yanks.

Dec. 4, 2:40 p.m.

The Yankees are one of many many groups enthusiastic about free agent left-hander Wandy Peralta and are hopeful of a reunion, in accordance with the New York Put up’s Jon Heyman.

Peralta, 32, pitched to a 2.83 ERA (5.05 FIP) in 54.0 innings over 63 appearances for the Yanks through the 2023 season, with 51 strikeouts and 30 walks for a 1.222 WHIP.

The lefty got here to the Bronx in an April 2021 commerce with the Giants for Mike Tauchman and has posted a 2.82. ERA in his 165 video games with the membership.

Nov. 30, 11:32 a.m.

The Yankees are available in the market for a left-handed hitting outfielder with some energy and they’re remaining engaged with representatives free of charge agent Cody Bellinger, in accordance with The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty.

An alternative choice can be Juan Soto, and SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino reported on Thursday that talks between the Yanks and San Diego Padres for Soto commerce progressed to the purpose of exchanging names on gamers. The perimeters aren’t near an settlement and San Diego’s preliminary ask was very excessive for what would possible be a one-year rental because the 25-year-old will possible take a look at the free company waters for the primary time in his profession after the 2024 season like different Scott Boras purchasers do.

The Yankees discovered the asking value for Bellinger “a bit steep” for now, in accordance with The Athletic, as anticipated for an additional Boras consumer this early in free company. However the Yanks are nonetheless within the 28-year-old who’s coming off a bounce-back 12 months for the Chicago Cubs by which he posted a .307 common and .881 OPS with 26 house runs and 97 RBI in 130 video games.

The son of a one-time Yankee, Bellinger was the 2017 NL Rookie of the Yr and 2019 NL MVP with the Dodgers earlier than he had back-to-back disastrous seasons with Los Angeles, batting .193 with a .611 OPS with simply 29 homers and 104 RBI over a 239 recreation stretch.

Nov. 23, 5:30 p.m.

The Yankees are on the hunt for beginning pitching this offseason, and in accordance with Jon Heyman of the NY Put up, the crew is contemplating a reunion with left-hander Jordan Montgomery.

Montgomery spent the primary 5 and a half seasons of his profession within the Bronx earlier than being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals forward of the 2022 commerce deadline in trade for Harrison Bader.

He loved success in St. Louis, however with the crew out of playoff competition, he discovered himself flipped once more at this season’s deadline to the Texas Rangers.

Montgomery was a breakout star for the World Collection champs, pitching to a 2.79 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 58 strikeouts throughout 11 begins.

Heyman notes that the Yankees have been explicit about their rotation targets thus far this offseason.

Nov. 21, 9:45 a.m.

The Yankees have agreed to a cope with right-handed reliever Yerry De Los Santos, his representatives, Epitome Sports activities Administration, introduced on social media.

The contract is a minor league cope with an invitation to spring coaching that may pay him $900,000 if reaches the majors, in accordance with the New York Put up’s Joel Sherman. The contract additionally features a June 1 project clause to the 26-man huge league roster and a July 1 launch clause.

De Los Santos turned a free agent after he went unclaimed on waivers earlier this month after pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates the previous two seasons, his solely MLB expertise.

The 25-year-old reliever appeared in 48 video games with Pittsburgh pitching to a 4.14 ERA (4.04 FIP) in 50.0 innings with 44 strikeouts to 24 walks and a 1.260 WHIP. He pitched to a 3.33 ERA over 24.1 innings a 12 months in the past.

Whereas the strikeout share is low (17.3 % in 2023), due to a sinker that he throws 61.5 % of the time he tallied a 55.6 % floor ball fee within the huge leagues final marketing campaign, which may point out the Yanks’ curiosity within the righty.

Nov. 20, 6:40 p.m.

The Yankees and San Francisco Giants are among the many groups exhibiting curiosity in Korean outfielder Jung-Hoo Lee main as much as his posting later this winter, in accordance with MLB Community’s Jon Morosi.

The 25-year-old, who grew up idolizing Ichiro Suzuki, has been a star over the previous few seasons within the KBO. Lee’s a former Rookie of the Yr, MVP, and a five-time Gold Glove award winner.

Although he would not supply an excessive amount of within the energy division, his bat-to-ball expertise are elite. The sweet-swinging lefty is a profession .340 hitter and has been capable of get on base at a stellar .407 clip. He additionally batted .429 with two doubles and 5 RBI throughout 4 video games as a part of Staff Korea through the 2023 World Baseball Traditional.

Lee underwent season-ending ankle surgical procedure in July, however in accordance with Morosi, he’s anticipated to be full-go for the start of the following season.

Nov. 17, 3:59 p.m.

The Yankees introduced they traded OF Jake Bauers to the Milwaukee Brewers in trade for minor-league outfielders Jace Avina and Brian Sanchez forward of MLB’s non-tender deadline on Friday.

Avina, 20, spent the final two years within the Brewers system. Final season in Single-A Carolina, the right-handed batter hit .233 with 22 doubles, 14 house runs, 50 RBI, 57 runs scored and 10 stolen bases in 99 video games.

Sanchez, 19, signed with the Brewers as a non-drafted free agent in February. The Venezuela native performed 33 video games in Milwaukee’s farm system this 12 months, hitting .297/.414/.446 with 20 runs scored, seven doubles, 4 triples, 19 RBI and eight stolen bases in 33 video games with the DSL Brewers 1.

Bauers, 28, was a key depth piece for the Yankees in 2023, hitting a slash line of .202/.279/.413 with 12 house runs and 30 RBI in 84 video games final season with the Bombers.

Nov. 17, 2:21 p.m.

The Giants are among the many suitors for Cody Bellinger, stories Jesse Rogers of ESPN.

San Francisco has missed out on huge stars in latest offseasons, together with whiffing on Aaron Decide and having a deal for Carlos Correa collapse late over medical considerations final winter.

Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi is predicted to be aggressive this offseason, so it makes good sense that the crew has been linked to many of the huge free brokers.

Whereas San Francisco could possibly be a menace to the Yankees’ possibilities of signing Bellinger, the Cubs aren’t anticipated to be.

Per ESPN, a supply aware of the state of affairs mentioned Bellinger — who performed for the Cubs in 2023 — “is pretty much as good as gone,” with Rogers including that Chicago will not get right into a bidding struggle for him.

Nov. 16, 8:36 a.m.

With the Yankees in want of a middle fielder, they’ve “engaged the Rays in a number of conversations” this offseason about Manuel Margot, stories Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The Rays are additionally talking to different groups about Margot, per The Athletic.

Margot, 29, hit .264/.310/.376 with 4 homers and 21 doubles in 99 video games for the Rays in 2023.

In eight huge league seasons with the Rays and Padres, he has slashed .255/.309/.385.

He has graded out as above common within the outfield through DRS in each season besides 2023, when he was value -3 DRS.

Margot will earn $10 million in 2024, and his contract accommodates a mutual choice at $12 million for 2025.

Nov. 14, 10:55 a.m.

The Yankees “are among the many most lively groups within the beginning pitching market,” stories Jon Morosi of MLB Community, who notes that the Yanks are enthusiastic about free agent RHP Aaron Nola.

Nola had a 4.46 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 32 begins over 193.2 innings for the Phillies in 2023. He has bookended mediocre seasons (he had a 4.63 ERA) round a really sturdy 2022 marketing campaign, the place he posted a 3.25 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 205 innings.

He shall be coming into his age-31 season in 2024, and ought to be one of the vital wanted pitchers available on the market.

Nola made $16 million this previous season for the Phillies in what was the ultimate 12 months of a four-year deal.

As a result of the Phillies prolonged a qualifying supply to Nola, which he’ll reject, the crew that indicators him will lose a choose within the 2024 MLB Draft.

Nov. 10, 5:55 p.m.

The Yankees are reportedly enthusiastic about re-signing free agent reliever Wandy Peralta.

In accordance with Gary Phillips of the Each day Information, the Yankees have spoken a couple of reunion with the left-hander, however a proposal has but to be prolonged to the 32-year-old.

Peralta has been an awesome left-handed specialist for the Yankees since being acquired from the Giants within the Mike Tauchman commerce in 2021.

In components of three seasons with the Yanks, Peralta is 10-9 with a 2.82 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 37 appearances. Peralta has additionally amassed 11 saves in that point.

Peralta was additionally clutch within the postseason, giving up three runs in 8.2 innings whereas placing out seven batters.

Nov. 9, 10:40 p.m.

After Yankees GM Brian Cashman said to the media that the crew is available in the market for one or two outfielders — ideally left-handed — a brand new report says the Bombers have Kevin Kiermaier on their radar.

The Athletic reported that other than Cody Bellinger, the Yankees have mentioned the free-agent middle fielder.

Kiermaier, 33, hit .265 with eight house runs and 36 RBI in 2023 with the Toronto Blue Jays. He is a four-time Gold Glove winner, together with this season, and offers the Yanks a defensive middle fielder they want whereas Jasson Dominguez recovers from elbow surgical procedure.

Nov. 8, 11:07 a.m.

In accordance with The New York Put up’s Jon Heyman, this offseason the Yanks have reached out to Cody Bellinger, who’s reportedly on the high of their free-agent checklist.

That checklist additionally consists of Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto, all left-handed hitters, however Heyman notes that the participant almost definitely to land in New York is Bellinger, adopted by Soto then Ohtani.

A former MVP and Rookie of the Yr, Bellinger signed a one-year cope with the Chicago Cubs final offseason and revitalized his profession after three consecutive down years. In 130 video games, the 28-year-old had 26 house runs and 97 RBI whereas batting a career-best .307 with an .881 OPS.

Whereas all three play the outfield – a significant space of want for the Yankees – Bellinger possible provides essentially the most worth to New York as he can play each middle area and first base at an elite stage.

Scott Boras, Bellinger’s agent, spoke to reporters Wednesday because the GM Conferences proceed and was requested how he thinks the outfielder would love enjoying in New York.

“Cody’s performed in main markets so he simply desires to play on a profitable crew,” Boras mentioned.

Nov. 7, 11:30 p.m.

Luis Severino is seeking to get again on the mound after his 2023 was lower quick resulting from an indirect damage, nevertheless it appears to be like more and more just like the Yankees gained’t be bringing him again.

Severino, who’s an unrestricted free agent this winter, is again to throwing and is “feeling good,” in accordance with The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty. The report additionally states that there was curiosity from as many as eight groups for Severino’s companies in 2024, however the Yankees aren’t believed to be one among them.

Final season, Severino had a career-high 6.65 ERA over 19 video games (18 begins). His 1.65 WHIP was additionally a career-high and his 79 strikeouts have been his lowest since 2016, when he began simply 11 video games.

After all, Severino’s profession with the Yankees has been marred by accidents. After bursting onto the scene in 2017, he had his high-water mark the next 12 months by going 19-8 with a 3.39 ERA in 32 begins. The subsequent three seasons noticed Severino seem in simply seven video games and make three begins resulting from a lot of totally different accidents.

After a strong 2022, Severino was poised to solidify his spot within the rotation earlier than he hit free company. Nonetheless, his poor numbers and accidents could have spelled the tip for the 29-year-old’s tenure in The Bronx.

The Yankees rotation is crammed with a lot of arms together with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes and newcomers Clarke Schmidt and probably Michael King. With the Yanks additionally wanting into bringing Frankie Montas again, Severino will seemingly must go to a brand new crew.

Nov. 7, 9:26 a.m.

The Yankees are contemplating a reunion with free agent right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas, per Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman of The New York Put up.

Montas, whom the Yanks acquired from the Athletics on the 2022 commerce deadline, was restricted resulting from shoulder accidents the final season and a half.

He threw simply 39.2 innings over eight begins after being acquired in 2022, whereas pitching to a 6.35 ERA.

In 2023, he pitched in only one recreation (in reduction) late within the season after lacking the majority of the 12 months following arthroscopic surgical procedure on his shoulder in February.

Coming into his age-31 season and with severe damage considerations, Montas — who has a profession 3.90 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in eight seasons within the majors — will possible must accept a one-year deal.

Nov. 2, 7:00 p.m.

The Yankees positioned Domingo German, Franchy Cordero, Billy McKinney, Matt Bowman, Jimmy Cordero, and Ryan Weber on outright waivers.

All six gamers had been arbitration-eligible.

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