2018 Offseason Preview: New York Yankees

By Ben Diamond

With the MLB Winter Meetings around the corner, and the offseason gets into full swing, Yankee fans should start spreading the news: some very exciting moves could be on the way.

Trading for starting pitcher James Paxton from the Mariners (with the unfortunate exchange of Justus Sheffield) was only the first piece to the Yankees offseason puzzle. With the possibility of getting a starting pitcher (Not named Patrick Corbin), Manny Machado, and/or Bryce Harper, this offseason really can push them into being a real World Series contender.

Corbin originally had three teams on his mind: the Yankees, Nationals, and the Phillies, but the Phillies were reportedly dropped off the list late last week, making the possibility of him going to the Yankees even more likely. It was rumored that the Yankees were going to offer five years and $100M. The possibility to go to his childhood team was just a pipe dream however, and Corbin went for the extra year, and the extra money, inking a six-year $140M contract with the Washington Nationals.

Could Bryce Harper be in pinstripes? (Via AP)

So now what? Bryce Harper’s name has been coming up more as a real possibility for the Yankees, although the front office continues to deny. Manny “Johnny Hustle” Machado has also been linked, although his on-field antics down the stretch and into the postseason have hurt his stock. Never doubt the Evil Empire though, as either of these generational talents could be in play. If they do end up signing Harper, he will most likely play first base for them, with a crowded outfield. Harper also has a great lefty bat and can go opposite of breakout Yankee Luke Voit, who showed potential in 2018.

The other side of the coin is in Cleveland, where Trevor Bauer and Corey Kluber are elite starters who are certainly available in a trade with the Indians. And let’s not forget about San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner, who will be a free agent in a year. Finally, Dallas Keuchel and J.A. Happ are the next tier of free agent pitchers, and are worth looking at.

All in all, this offseason will be a rollercoaster ride for all Yankee fans, with the chance that it leads to a parade down the Canyon Of Heroes