It was a move that left all fans in Yankeeland perplexed, and all Twins fans in delight. The move in question is a tale of two pieces.
Even prior to the lockout, it was already known that this MLB offseason would contain a class of prime shortstops, along with other All-Star players at other positions. One team in particular which lacked a true shortstop last year (and paid the price for it) was the New York Yankees. Leadership of the franchise, earmarked by owner Hal Steinbrenner and GM Brian Cashman, notified the fans that changes were coming.
But to fans, those changes were underwhelming at best. While fans were expecting one of the big-time free agents, a la Carlos Correa or Trevor Story, the Yankees doubled down on their future prospects, opting to make a trade for defensive shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who would play for the team for a couple of years before the Yankees’ star prospect Anthony Volpe, a shortstop, makes his debut.
One of the biggest risers on this year’s list, the #Yankees Anthony Volpe has soared to No. 8 on the #Top100Prospects list: https://t.co/k8nVLeUMPk pic.twitter.com/QzZBCXxCeX
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 20, 2022
But to make this happen, the Yankees traded their third baseman Gio Urshela, along with their catcher Gary Sanchez, to the Twins in exchange for Kiner-Falefa and 36-year-old third baseman Josh Donaldson (as well as a rookie catcher, Ben Rortvedt, who is now injured). The Yankees even took on the $50 million that the Twins owed Donaldson to make the trade happen.
But by freeing up $50 million in salary, the Twins were able to turn around and sign the player that many believed the Yankees were in on and wanted: Carlos Correa. The star shortstop signed a three-year, $105 million contract (an average annual value (AAV) of $35 million). The Twins essentially sold the Yankees an old, broken player in Donaldson, in order to free up space to sign the free agent that the Yankees and their fans wanted.
“We want your shortstop”
“IKF? Okay but you have to take 50 mil off our books”
“Fucking easy. Done. Awesome. What are you gonna use that 50 mil for tho?”
“Use it to get our new shortstop, Correa.” https://t.co/w4HeyWyRBJ
— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) March 19, 2022
The Yankees, in essence, got duped. They are riding high on their prospects, alienating many of their fans who possess a “win now” mentality. By failing to sign any of the top free agents (they even let the other prime shortstop, Trevor Story, get away to the rival Red Sox), they have put themselves at a serious disadvantage in a division which is only getting better (besides the Orioles, of course).
Nonetheless, the regular season has not started yet, so there is no need for Yankees fans to panic. There will be baseball in 2022 – and in fact, there already is, with Spring Training well underway – so no matter which team you root for, it will be an exciting season in contrast to what was a brutal 99-day lockout.
What do you think of this trade, and Carlos Correa choosing Minnesota? Let us know, by either leaving a reaction below or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
