Yankees Make 1 More Big Offseason Splash

The MLB offseason has been characterized by a slow pace, leaving several top free agents still in search of contracts for the upcoming 2024 season. Despite this, the New York Yankees made waves with the acquisition of outfielder Juan Soto. Yet, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, the Yankees might have more significant moves up their sleeves.

In a compelling January 15 article, Bowden delved into potential pairings of free agents with teams, and one intriguing speculation involved five-time All-Star closer Josh Hader donning the Yankees’ pinstripes. Bowden’s rationale ties back to the Yankees’ pursuit of free-agent pitcher Blake Snell. When Snell rejected their five-year, $150 million offer, the Yankees swiftly shifted their focus to Marcus Stroman, securing a two-year, $37 million deal. This tactical maneuver could potentially free up finances for the Yankees to pursue Hader.

Josh Hader, a left-handed reliever, has been holding out for a specific deal, benchmarking Edwin Diaz’s five-year, $102 million contract with the Mets. However, the slow-moving market dynamics, especially with other free-agent pitchers like Snell and Jordan Montgomery still available, have contributed to Hader’s prolonged unsigned status.

Teams such as the Yankees, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed interest in Hader. While the Yankees addressed their rotation by adding Stroman, Bowden believes they might not be finished with impactful offseason moves. The financial flexibility acquired by strategic maneuvers positions the Yankees to potentially capitalize on evolving market dynamics as the countdown to spring training continues. Despite varying opinions within the baseball community, the Yankees remain poised to navigate the offseason landscape with an eye on seizing opportunities as they arise.