In the fast-paced, high octane environment that it the New York media and fan market every move made by the Yankees is over scrutinized. Thus the resignings of Brett Gardner and CC Sabathia for $7 and $8 Million (respectively) drew some ire from fans. But let’s make one thing very known, the Yankees front office is not done with their construction of the 2019 New York Yankees. And if I can add a little conjecture, they have only just begun.
Back End Stability
As we covered in our piece “Two Biggest Offseason Factors” the Yanks are under the Luxury Tax Threshold, which simply put, allows them to spend money without a great deal of penalties for doing so. Also not being financially shackled they can give out contracts that are a bit above what another club would offer. Not to mention the fact that both Brett Gardner and CC Sabathia are the only remaining members of the last Yankee World Series team. CC and Gardy are also the longest tenured members of the team and are locker room leaders. They are often looked to and given credit/praise from their teammates on their work ethic and willingness to do what is best for the team.
Which was never more evident than during the 2019 postseason. When despite being the longest tenured Yankee Gardner openly took a bench role in favor of Andrew McCutchen. Or as CC’s “stuff” has declined he hasn’t complained. Nor has He groaned openly about being removed from a game. As we have seen from other veteran pitchers (i.e., Rich Hill.) But instead, we see CC standing up and protecting his teammates. Recall during the season when CC cost himself an extra $500 thousand. For “protecting” teammate Austin Romine. For the Yankees $15 Million means nothing. But the players that money brought back can mean the world to a rather young team.
