Yankees or Japan for Masahiro Tanaka? Trevor Bauer wants Gerrit Cole coin; George Springer update

Free agents in the news include (clockwise from top left) Trevor Bauer, Masahiro Tanaka, Jon Lester and George Springer.

By Randy Miller

As the Yankees continue their long and probably nervous wait to see what kind of money DJ LeMahieu will accept, their other potential free-agent targets are stuck in limbo.

That includes bringing back Masahiro Tanaka to slot into a rotation that has two openings due to free agency.

Here are updates on Tanaka plus other baseball news and rumors, including the latest on marquis free agents Trevor Bauer and George Springer:

MASAHIRO TANAKA, RHP

Status: Free agent.

Age: 32 (33 on Nov. 1, 2021).

2020 stats: Yankees, 3-3, 3.56 ERA, 10 starts, 48 IP, 48 hits, 25 runs, 19 ER, 9 HR, 8 BB, 44 K.

The latest: There’s a good chance that Tanaka will either re-sign with the Yankees or play in Japan next season for his old Pacific League team, a source close to the pitcher told NJ Advance Media. The source, who didn’t want his name made public, added that Tanaka wants to return to the Yankees and isn’t interested in playing for a team that won’t contend next season, regardless of money. The source added that it’s unlikely Tanaka will sign with the Angels, who already have fellow Japanese star Shohei Ohtani, a pitcher/designated hitter. Also, the source stated Tanaka has had plans for years to end his playing career with the Rakuten Golden Eagles, his club from 2007-13. Tanaka was good to very good in five of his seven seasons with the Yankees, going 78-46 and a 3.74 ERA pitching with a $155-million contract from 2014-20. Tanaka’s average salary in his last pact surpassed $22M. If he returns to the Yanks, he’ll probably to have to settle for a one- or two-year deal for around $12M annually tops.

TREVOR BAUER, RHP

Status: Free agent.

Age: 29 (30 on Jan. 17, 2021).

2020 stats: Cincinnati Reds, 5-4, 1.73 ERA, 11 starts, 73 IP, 41 hits, 17 runs, 14 ER, 9 HR, 17 BB, 100 K.

The latest: Here’s a probable reason that there reportedly “hasn’t been much action” on the top pitcher on the free agent market: According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, teams has been informed that Bauer wants a pact that will match or surpass the $36 million average annual salary that Yankees ace Gerrit Cole received last winter in his nine-year, $324M deal, which is a record for pitchers. “Interested teams suggest Bauer seeks a 5-to-6 year deal for $36M to $40M (about $200M),” Heyman tweeted. The Mets and Angels are the favorites to sign Bauer with the Dodgers and possibly Red Sox in the running, too.

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KEVIN KIERMAIER, CF

Club: Tampa Bay Rays.

Age: 30 (31 on April 22, 2021).

Bats: Left.

2020 stats: Rays, .217 average, 138 AB, 16 runs, 30 hits, 5 doubles, 3 triples, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 8 SB, 20 BB, 42 K, .683 OPS, 49 games.

The latest: The Rays now are looking to trade Kiermaier, their highest-paid player, after already dumping two aces from their 2020 pennant-winning team, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported. The Rays trimmed $25.5M from next season’s payroll by trading left-hander Blake Snell to San Diego and not vesting a club option for Charlie Morton, who signed with the Braves. Kiermaier still has two seasons and $26M remaining on his six-year, $53.5M deal. “By no means (are the subtractions) any sort of white flag on this season,” Rays GM Erik Neander said on a media call. “We have a lot of confidence in the group that we have here, and we’ve got a lot of time left to continue to build this club out and to get this puzzle where we want it.”

* * *

JON LESTER, LHP

Status: Free agent.

Age: 36 (37 on Jan. 7, 2021).

2020 stats: Cubs, 3-3, 5.16 ERA, 12 starts, 61 IP, 64 hits, 35 runs, 35 ER, 11 HR, 17 BB, 42 K.

The latest: Seemingly downsizing into a rebuild, the Cubs dealt ace Yu Darvish this week, they’ve been trying to trade third baseman Kris Bryant all winter and it’s looking like they won’t re-sign Lester A 19-game winner on the Cubs’ 2016 World Series title team, Lester hit the free-agent market in late October when his $25M club option for 2021 was declined. This from FanSided baseball columnist Robert Murray, “Jon Lester make it clear to (Cubs execs) at the beginning of the offseason that he wants to return to Chicago to win his 200th game for the Cubs. So far, there has been little indication of progress toward a reunion.” Lester has 193 career wins, 77 in his six seasons with the Cubs.

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GEORGE SPRINGER, OF

Status: Free agent.

Age: 31 (32 on Sept. 19, 2021).

Bats: Right.

2020 stats: Astros, .265 average, 189 AB, 37 runs, 50 hits, 6 doubles, 2 triples, 14 HR, 32 RBI, 1 SB, 24 BB, 38 K, .899 OPS, 51 games.

The latest: It’s down to two teams in the running for Springer, the Mets and Blue Jays, and both have offers “well into nine figures,” Jon Heyman reported. Despite the $100M-plus offers, a signing is not expected in the next few days. “All parties involved with Springer are bracing for the possibility that his free agency could stretch well into next month,” Andy Martino of SNY reported.

ERIC THAMES, 1B

Status: Free agent.

Age: 34 (35 on Nov. 10, 2021).

Bats: Left.

2020 stats: Washington Nationals, .203 average, 123 AB, 10 runs, 25 hits, 5 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 1 SB, 14 BB, 42 K, .617 OPS, 41 games.

The latest: The Yomiuri Giants are loading on slugging free agent first basemen coming off down seasons with Major League clubs. A day after signing switch-hitter Justin Smoak, the Giants reached a one-year, $1.2M deal with Thames on Wednesday, Sports Hochi reported. Thames is returning to Asia after playing in Korea from 2014-16. Thames averaged 24 homers with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2017-19, topping out at 31. He didn’t pan out last season playing for the Nats, who needed a first baseman to replace opting-out star Ryan Zimmerman.

* * *

KOLTEN WONG, 2B

Status: Free agent.

Age: 30 (31 on Oct. 10, 2021).

Bats: Left.

2020 stats: St. Louis Cardinals, .265 average, 181 AB, 26 runs, 48 hits, 4 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 5 SB, 20 BB, 30 K, .675 OPS, 53 games.

The latest: The Cardinals “maintain interest in bringing Wong back” after declining his $12.5M club option for 2021,” Jon Heyman reported. After last season’s World Series, Cards president of baseball operations John Mozeliak opted to pay Wong a $1M buyout to create payroll flexibility to make up for pandemic-induced losses. “When you go from having 3.3, 3.4 million fans in your ballpark to zero, it’s a big hit,” Mozeliak told MLB.com on Oct 28. “You have certain operating expenses that just don’t go away. When you have fixed commitments and contracts, those are not going away. And so obviously, we’re trying to figure out how we can best forecast revenues for next year, and then hopefully we can react in a positive way to help improve this club.”

Padres mimicking George Steinbrenner Yankees; J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, Kevin Kiermaier updates

The latest MLB rumors and news includes updates on J.T. Realmuto (left), Yu Darvish (upper right) and Ha-Seong Kim.

By Randy Miller

Has George Steinbrenner been reincarnated and running the San Diego Padres?

Looks that way.

Mimicking the late Yankees’ Boss circa 1970s and ’80s, the Padres are going all out trying to win a World Series, which would be a franchise first.

Coming off their first playoff season in 14 years, the Padres added two aces in blockbuster trades and signed a slugging free agent infielder in a span of about 20 hours from late Sunday night to Monday evening.

Padres fans woke up Monday to the news that their team added former Cy Young winner Blake Snell in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, and by night’s end San Diego had signed Korean star free agent Ha-Seong Kim and acquired Chicago Cubs ace Yu Darvish in another deal.

Two offseasons after the Padres signed free agent shortstop Manny Machado to a $300-million contract, they’re obviously not concerned about payroll like most other small-market clubs … or the Yankees’ this winter, as a matter of fact!

The Padres will be paying $10.5 million this season and $39 million from 2021-23 for Snell. Darvish still has three seasons and $59 million remaining on his contract. Kim’s signing details have yet to be revealed, but the New York Post reported that his deal likely is for four or five seasons at $6 million to $7million annually.

Other baseball news and rumors below include updates on free agents J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber and Kevin Kiermaier.

Here’s the latest:

YU DARVISH, RHP

Club: Chicago Cubs.

Age: 34 (35 on Aug 16, 2021).

2020 stats: Cubs, 8-3, 2.01 ERA, 12 starts, 76 IP, 59 hits, 18 runs, 17 ER, 5 HR, 14 BB, 93 K.

The latest: The Padres’ third headline-making move in a span of two days was acquiring Darvish in a seven-player trade with the Cubs. San Diego also is getting Luis Campusano, Darvish’s personal catcher, while the Cubs’ five-player return includes starting pitcher Zach Davies plus four prospects from ages 17-to-20 who were rated among San Diego’s top 16 by MLB Pipeline — shortstops Reginald Preciado (No. 11) and Yeison Santana (No. 16), and outfielders Owen Caissie (No. 13) and Ismael Mena (No. 15). The Padres’ 2021 projected rotation now has a big three consisting of Snell, Darvish and Dinelson Lamet, whose 2.01 ERA last season was third best in the NL. Chris Paddack also will be in the rotation along with one of three promising young lefties-handers — MacKenzie Gore (2017 first rounder, No. 1 prospect), Adrian Morejon (21-year-old Cuban) or Ryan Weathers (2018 first rounder). “Pretty, pretty good,” Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweeted.

* * *

HA-SEONG KIM, SS/3B

Club: San Diego Padres.

Age: 25 (26 on March 18, 2021).

Bats: Right.

2021 stats: Kiwoom Heroes (KBLO, .306 average, 533 AB. 111 runs, 163 hits, 24 doubles, 1 triple, 30 HR, 109 RBI, 23 SB, 2 CS, 75 BB, 68 K, .921 OPS, 138 games.

The latest: The Padres didn’t really need an infielder, but they added a potential game-changer with the signing of Kim. Where Kim plays next season is the question. He may become a regular at third base or perhaps be used all over the infield in a super-utility role. Kim reportedly had several five-year offers, one of which was from the Blue Jays. “Ha-Seong Kim is really going to help the Padres offensively,” MLB.com Padres beat writer A.J. Cassavell said on MLB Network’s MLB Tonight. “I think what you’re maybe looking at them following the Dodgers’ model a little bit. The Padres are set at all eight of their defensive positions, but this is a guy who is really good defensively, he’s really good offensively and he’s versatile. Those are guys that help you win. You saw the Dodgers do it in 2020 when they had so many guys that could play multiple positions to bounce around the diamond.”

* * *

J.T. REALMUTO, C

Status: Free agent.

Age: 29 (30 on March 18, 2021).

Bats: Right.

2021 stats: Philadelphia Phillies, .266 average, 173 AB. 33 runs, 46 hits, 6 doubles, 11 HR, 32 RBI, 4 SB, 1 CS, 16 BB, 48 K, .840 OPS, 47 games.

The latest: The Phillies again are serious about re-signing Realmuto a month after a report last month cast serious doubt that the sides could work out a new deal. “Realmuto remains a/the priority for the Phillies,” MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported. “They have an offer out to him, but like with other big free agents, it might be a waiting game.” This is a change from late November when New York Daily News baseball columnist Bill Madden reported, “Phillies managing partner John Middleton told his baseball people that because of the massive losses the club suffered last year, they may not be in position to re-sign Realmuto or any other big-ticket free agents.” What changed? The Phillies hired Dave Dombrowski as president of baseball ops on Dec. 11. Also, the Phils may be thinking Realmuto’s high price ($120M for 5 years?) may be coming down due to the pandemic and the fact that the Mets won’t be bidders after signing free agent catcher James McCann.

* * *

KYLE SCHWARBER, OF

Status: Free agent.

Age: 27 (28 on March 5, 2021).

Bats: Left.

2020 stats: Chicago Cubs, .188 average, 191 AB, 30 runs, 36 hits, 6 doubles, 11 HR, 24 RBI, 1 SB, 30 BB, 66 K, .701 OPS, 59 games.

The latest: The Nationals have money to spend this winter and their options include signing Schwarber, who was non-tendered by the Cubs in November. “Schwarber is a bat that they have tremendous familiarity with because (Nats manager) Dave Martinez was with him (as a bench coach from 2015-17) in Chicago,” Washington Post baseball writer Barry Svrluga said on MLB Network’s Hot Stove. “There’s an enormous amount of respect there.”

KEVIN KIERMAIER, CF

Club: Tampa Bay Rays.

Age: 30 (31 on April 22, 2021).

Bats: Left.

2020 stats: Rays, .217 average, 159 AB, 16 runs, 30 hits, 3 doubles, 3 triples, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 8 SB, 1 CS, 20 BB, 42 K, .683 OPS, 49 games.

The latest: The Rays traded their ace to shed payroll and the next to go could be Kiermaier, the team’s highest-paid player. The three-time Gold Glove winner still is owed $24 million on a contract that runs through 2022 and he’s on the block, Nightengale tweeted. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, a former GM for two clubs, wrote “although Tampa Bay might have to wait for free agent (center fielder) Jackie Bradley Jr., to sign, there should be a solid trade market for Kiermaier — as long as the Rays are willing to eat around $5 million to $10 million.”

* * *

JOE MUSGROVE, RHP

Club: Pittsburgh Pirates.

Age: 28 (29 on Dec. 4, 2021).

2020 stats: Pirates, 1-5, 3.86 ERA, 8 starts, 39.2 IP, 33 hits, 17 runs, 17 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 55 K.

The latest: The Pirates began the latest salary dumping in mid-December by trading 2019 All-Star first baseman Josh Bell, and according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Several people tell me they think Musgrove is next” to go. Musgrove is a servable bottom-of-the-rotation starter who pitched to a 4.23 ERA since 2018 in 59 games, 58 as a starter. A potential landing spot for Musgrove is Toronto, which had interest last summer before the pitcher landed on the injured list with triceps inflammation.

Yankees’ Brian Cashman’s shoestring budget options, including Kyle Schwarber

Yankees GM Brian Cashman could spread his 2021 budget money around this winter.

By Joe Giglio

Brian Cashman’s job isn’t as easy as we make it out to be sometimes.

Sure, having around $200M per season to spend on the Yankees is probably a ton of fun and would be enough to get you to take on the challenge if offered.

But let’s not ignore the challenge, if the Yankees truly are committed to staying under the luxury tax for the 2021 season: Adding help to a World Series contender on a budget. According to Cot’s Baseball Contracts, the Yankees have roughly $35M to spend this winter while staying under the projected tax line for next season.

How can they do it while still improving the team? Here’s an offseason spending plan to improve the Yankees on a budget.

Kolten Wong, 2B

Why he fits: The (way) cheaper alternative to DJ LeMahieu. When St. Louis declined Wong’s 2021 contract option, a lesson in supply and demand began. Major league teams continue to let good players with rising contract costs depart for the uncertainty of something close to as good (but much cheaper) on the open market. Wong, 30, is a strong defender and is coming off back-to-back years with an on-base percentage of .350 or better. This is one of the most underrated infielders in baseball. Wong would not provide big-time offense, but he could be a key cog in the Yankees 2021 engine at a fraction of the cost of the older LeMahieu.

What he might cost: One year, $8M

Kyle Schwarber, DH

Why he fits: Have you seen the short porch in right field? It’s like Schwarber was born to play in Yankee Stadium, and likely part of the reason the Yankees have been connected to the ex-Cubs slugger for years. Schwarber is coming off a down season (.701 OPS, 88 OPS+), but only a year removed from crushing 38 home runs and posting an OPS+ of 122 for a playoff team in 2019. On the right team and in the right spots (platooning only vs. right-handed pitchers), there’s a valuable hitter here.

What he might cost: One year, $8M

Garret Richards, SP

Why he fits: The Yankees need upside in the rotation behind Gerrit Cole. Richards, now years removed from multiple arm injuries that paused a promising career, can bring that. Think of this in a similar vein to Corey Kluber rumors, only with the ability to actually assess what Richards brought to the table last year in San Diego. In 2020, Richards averaged 95.1 MPH on his fastball, making him one of only 12 qualified starters to throw that hard last season. There’s still arm talent here, but a better coaching plan needs to be devised to secure more swings and misses. Enter Matt Blake and the Yankees staff.

What he might cost: Two years, $14M

Rich Hill, LHP

Why he fits: An ex-Yankee comes back to pinstripes. Hill was part of the Yankees for a brief period at the end of the 2014 season. Here’s what he’s accomplished since: 505 IP, 2.92 ERA, 140 ERA+. 3.48 FIP, 6.7 H/9. No, Hill isn’t a 200-inning per year guy. Yes, he’s over 40. Injuries questions will always persist. But we’re talking about a guy that’s held over 2,000 hitters to a .202 batting average over the last six years. The guy just gets outs.

What he might cost: One year, $1M

David Phelps, RP

Why he fits: The Yankees could use another strikeout arm in the bullpen, so why not bring a familiar face home. In 2020, Phelps did what all good arms did when they landed in Philadelphia: Go bad fast. But let’s not forget how good Phelps was in Milwaukee before the August trade to the NL East. There’s still good innings left in the 34-year-old, and it could be had on a cheap contract.

What he might cost: One year, $2M

Ex-Yankees reliever Tommy Kahnle signs with Dodgers over AL East rival

Former New York Yankees reliever Tommy Kahnle is signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

By Mike Rosenstein

Former New York Yankees reliever Tommy Kahnle has a new home for 2021. Per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal:

Free-agent reliever Tommy Kahnle in agreement with Dodgers on two-year contract, source tells The Athletic. Kahnle underwent Tommy John surgery in August.

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports Kahnle’s deal is worth $4.75 million (plus incentives).

FanSided’s Robert Murray reports the Boston Red Sox were a “finalist” for Kahnle.

Kahnle became a free agent in October rather than accept a demotion from the Yankees to Triple-A. Kahnle isn’t expected to pitch in 2021 after having Tommy John surgery Aug. 5. He pitched in just one game In 2020.

The Yankees non-tendered Kahnle rather than keep him around and likely be forced to give him a small raise over the prorated $2.65 million he made this season. Kahnle was set to enter his third and final season of salary arbitration.

The Yankees acquired Kahnle from the Chicago White Sox before the 2017 non-waiver trade deadline in the deal which also brought third baseman Todd Frazier and reliever David Robertson to the Bronx.

Kahnle appeared in 129 games with the Yankees over the parts of four seasons, compiling a 4.01 ERA.

5 reasons why Yankees should make big trade offer for Reds’ Luis Castillo

The Cincinnati Reds are shopping right-hander Luis Castillo.

By Joe Giglio

Opportunity is knocking. We’ll soon see if Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is ready to answer the door.

As the Cincinnati Reds begin to sell off parts after a semi-successful (playoff trip, no playoff success) all-in campaign, nearly every star on the roster is either set to leave (Trevor Bauer) in free agency or is rumored to be on the trade block.

And while the drama of a Sonny Gray return to the Bronx would be popcorn-worthy hot stove action, let’s rule him out. Ditto goes for third baseman Eugenio Suarez, given Gio Ursehla’s hold on the position and Suarez’s down 2020. Bullpen is always a Yankees target, but closer Raisel Iglesias is already on his way to the Los Angeles Angels.

That leaves an ace few around baseball talk about: Luis Castillo. No, this isn’t the former Mets second baseman with a new spin on a baseball life. This is a different Castillo, and one that one won’t be in anonymity for long.

Here are five reasons why the Yankees should make a big trade offer before another contender beats them to it.

Castillo is a star: The 28-year-old righty has started 44 games over the last two seasons, including the pandemic-shortened 2020. Here are a snapshot of his numbers, especially impressive considering the launching pad that is Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark.

IP: 260.2

ERA: 3.35

ERA+: 140

FIP: 3.41

SO/9: 10.9

SO/BB: 3.06

Castillo jumped from good to dominant in 2020, posting a FIP (fielding independent pitching) of 2.65. If there’s an under-the-radar or value pick for a Cy Young award in the next season or two, Castillo is it.

Dominant one-two punch: Think about it now. The 2021 MLB playoffs. Yankees vs. Chicago White Sox. Best-of-seven in the American League Championship Series. The Yankees, coming off a sweep of the Minnesota Twins in the previous round, are rested and able to set up their pitching staff. Chicago, off another year mashing lefties but struggling vs. tough righties with strikeout stuff, staring down at this to start the series:

Gerrit Cole in Game 1.

Castillo in Game 2.

There are many ways to win in modern baseball. You don’t need Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling to become World Series champions. But that kind of start to a series would give the Yankees a leg up vs. almost any team they could face

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Fits in with luxury tax concerns: Castillo is eligible for arbitration for the first time in 2021, and likely looking at a huge salary jump from the roughly $600K he made in his first three seasons. If an upward trajectory continues, Castillo could make around $5M in 2021, over $10M in 2022 and close to $20M in 2023 before hitting the free agent market. That may sound like a problem, but it’s far from it. The Yankees would be getting a potential Cy Young contender for something like, say, $35M for three seasons. Or general manager Cashman could get bold and offer something like four years and $50M, essentially guaranteeing Castillo lifetime money for the tradeoff of one year of free agency.

Best could be yet to come: We’re not talking about a 31-year-old with declining stuff. This isn’t a pitcher that is losing fastball velocity. The Yankees don’t have to hope to turn him around. We don’t know (yet) if he would struggle with New York like Gray did. There’s no real off-the-field baggage. It won’t cost an arm and a leg in terms of salary. Castillo could be ready to be one of baseball’s best pitchers, and he’s available now before his career peaks.

These front offices have done business: This is key. Think back to the Aroldis Chapman deal. Think about the Gray trade. There’s a healthy dialogue between the Yankees and Reds front office groups. Trades like this are hard, especially when there’s multiple bidders. And make no mistake, there will be big bidders for an arm like Castillo. But if the Reds know the Yankees system and have had their eyes on other prospects from previous transactions, perhaps a deal could commence sooner than we think.

As Yankees-DJ LeMahieu rumors swirl, in Brian Cashman we trust

Yankees general manager Brain Cashman has a ton of work to do this offseason.

By Joe Giglio

As the hot stove burns after the MLB Winter Meetings, the bulk of offseason work around baseball is still to be done.

Sure, the Mets have been active in the relief pitching and catching market. Yes, the Giants have made two under-the-radar pitching moves. And no one should ever be surprised when the Braves move quickly to sign players that fit in Atlanta.

As for the Yankees? Let’s just say there’s a ton of work to be done to take a talented nucleus and make it a World Series champion.

It’s natural to start worrying as free agents fly off the board. There’s reason for concern around the starting rotation and impeding DJ LeMahieu contract decision. But there’s one thing that shouldn’t be lost in all the uncertainty around this Yankees team: Trust in general manager Brian Cashman.

Let’s start with a caveat: No, Cashman isn’t perfect. Yes, he and his front office make mistakes. I am well aware of this franchise’s World Series drought dating back to 2009, which probably feels even longer for a fan base simply used to parades on a consistent basis.

But let’s not forget what Cashman is: A future Hall of Fame executive with four World Series rings.

Cashman took over as Yankees general manager in 1998. In the 22 seasons that followed, the Yankees averaged over 95 wins per season. For the purposes of simple math, we can exclude the pandemic-shortened 2020. But if we want to extrapolate last year’s .550 winning percentage over a full year, the Yankees were on pace for roughly another 89-win season. The 95ish win pace would not have been dramatically altered.

This is an executive that’s won in multiple ways. First, he inherited a dynasty and demanding owner. Then he had to transition to a new era, including convincing George Steinbrenner that the team’s plan and way of business was outdated. Free agency and paying into a brand-new luxury tax couldn’t simply be the way any longer. It had to be about player development and analytics. Cashman was right. The team now has some of the best player development and analytics results (think Gio Urshela and Luke Voit) in the business.

Cashman has overseen the hiring of two managers: Joe Girardi prior to the 2008 season and Aaron Boone before the 2018 season. Both have been success stories. Few executives have a feel for what their team needs (in both player acquisition and dugout leadership) like Cashman.

When trades are there to be made, he makes them. When the Yankees go out and make a run at big-time players on the open market the results have more hits (Alex Rodriguez, Gerrit Cole, Brian McCann, CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Mark Teixeira, Masahiro Tanaka) than misses (Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Pavano) under Cashman.

Cashman’s ability to understand his team’s win curve and competitive window (think about the 2016 fire sale that set the stage for 2017-2020 success) is solid, and requires self-honesty that some general managers simply don’t have.

None of us know if the Yankees will ultimately convince LeMahieu to re-sign or if he’ll walk. It’s hard to forecast which pitchers will join Cole in the 2021 starting rotation. Your guess is as good as mine as to how the Opening Day lineup will look like in March (or perhaps May).

But here’s what I do know: Doubting Cashman is a fool’s errand. The 2021 Yankees might look different. They could have one area of the roster that frustrates you. But track records don’t lie, especially when decades of evidence are there. Trust Cashman to build the equivalent of a 95-win team and have a roster capable of winning the World Series. It’s what he’s done since 1998.

Get ready to say goodbye to Masahiro Tanaka, the best Yankees pitcher you never got to know

Masahiro Tanaka, the soft-spoken Yankee, is a free agent after seven years in the Bronx.

By Bob Klapisch

Any Yankees fan who tuned into general manager Brian Cashman’s interview on the YES Hot Stove program on Thursday came away with the following nuggets: Every effort is being made to sign DJ LeMahieu (so what’s taking so long?); Gleyber Torres was out of shape last summer (surprisingly candid, but true); Gary Sanchez has the full support of the organization (told ya); there’d be no further comment on Masahiro Tanaka.

Wait, did Cashman, whose responses are usually as lengthy as “War and Peace,” really shut down on Tanaka? Pretty much. He said, “I have to stay silent” on where the Yankees stood on Tanaka’s free agency.

The forensics don’t look promising. While a last-minute 180 is always possible, it appears Tanaka and the Yankees are divorcing after seven years. It’s been a good and sometimes very good run for the Japanese right-hander, although not elite enough to justify the $23 million he earned in 2020.

The Red Sox are one possible destination. The Mets could certainly do worse. And there’s talk of Tanaka of returning to his former team in Japan, the Rakuten Eagles, who are considering matching the salary he made with the Yankees.

If Tanaka moves on, he’ll leave behind a legacy of professionalism and good citizenship in the clubhouse. Teammates liked him. He always took the ball, never backed down. And even when he was struck in the head by Giancarlo Stanton’s batting practice line drive in July – a 112-mph missile that was too awful to watch more than once on YouTube – Tanaka fearlessly returned to the mound a month later, acting as if he hadn’t nearly lost his life.

Tough guy, for sure. But there’s not much else in Tanaka’s public dossier. It’s remarkable what a low profile he’s kept since arriving in 2014. It’s usually impossible for a star in this market to be so invisible.

Maybe that explains why news of his likely departure has barely caused a ripple on social media. While the idea that LeMahieu could be slipping through the Yankees’ fingers sparks outrage among fans – rightfully so – Tanaka ending up at Fenway or Citi Field wouldn’t upset anyone, perhaps not even the Yankees hierarchy.

The response, in so many words, distills down to this: Hey, good luck, buddy. Next!

I have a theory why Tanaka will exit the Bronx so quietly: It’s because there was no personal attachment from the ticket buyers. Fans root for teams, sure, but they also make decisions about the players themselves. There’s a perfectly good reason why Aaron Judge’s jersey was the No. 1 seller nationwide from 2017-19. (He dropped to second place behind Mookie Betts this year.) It’s because fans love Judge. They pick up on his positive vibe. No one on the roster is more relatable.

Tanaka is quiet and self-contained by contrast – the anti-Nick Swisher. That’s not a criticism, just an observation about a pitcher who was always polite but clinical in his postgame interviews. I can’t remember Tanaka ever telling an anecdote or cracking a smile.

Obviously, speaking to reporters in Japanese and relying on a translator dampened the interviews. Tanaka’s turns of phrases were always at the mercy of a third party. Thing is, Tanaka spoke English to his teammates, and had learned enough in the last few years to understand everything.

But friends say he was self-conscious about his heavy accent. That made him bashful in front of the press, especially on live TV. I get that part, too: My mother, a Brazilian immigrant, came to this country in her 30s without a word of English. She eventually transitioned to English but nevertheless sounded like a foreigner until the day she passed away, still hearing the light-hearted jokes about that Portuguese accent. “Feel” always sounded like “fill.” So Tanaka gets a pass from me.

Still, it’s a shame he didn’t try to break the cocoon. The Yankees said Tanaka had a rich sense of humor. Luis Severino was his closest buddy. They used to give each other piggy-back rides in the clubhouse. And Tanaka was – and still is – quite the celebrity in Japan. He has an endorsement deal with Hublot watches, livestreams his PUBG video games, (he plays himself as an animated character) and frequently appears on Japanese prime-time talk shows.

The press already bears some of the responsibility for Tanaka’s invisibility. I’ll take the rap for that. I should’ve made more of an effort to approach him. That’s what good reporters do: They cultivate relationships. Baseball writers are supposed to dig around but the good ones ultimately emulate bartenders: They listen, they earn trust, they get players to open up.

Tanaka never wanted to go there. Maybe the equation would’ve been different if he’d lived up to the expectation that accompanied his arrival in 2014. Coming off a 24-0 season with the Eagles in Japan, Tanaka was supposed to be the new ace in the post-CC Sabathia era. But he didn’t throw quite as hard as the scouting reports predicted and once he partially tore the UCL ligament in his right elbow, it felt like the clock on Tommy John surgery was always ticking.

Turns out Tanaka never did blow out his arm. He instead pitched through the condition. The Yankees believe he chose not to undergo pre-emptive surgery because it would’ve been a dishonorable thing to do immediately after signing a $155 million deal. But who knows, maybe Tanaka’s arm was finally bothering him in the playoffs in October; he allowed 11 earned runs in two starts against the Indians and Rays. Maybe the Yankees know something we don’t.

If so, we’ll probably never know about that, either. Like a wave crashing onto the beach, receding in silence, Tanaka is preparing to leave without a trace. Farewell, sir. We hardly knew ya.

Yankees lose 3 prospects in Rule 5 Draft, including former 1st-round pick

The Yankees lost three prospects in the major-league portion of the Rule 5 Draft on Thursday, including shortstop Kyle Holder (above), who was a first-round pick.

By Brendan Kuty

The Yankees lost three prospects to the major-league portion of the Rule 5 Draft on Thursday.

They passed on their own pick. The Yankees have one spot open on their 40-man roster.

The Yankees saw the Red Sox select right-hander Garrett Whitlock while the Phillies picked shortstop Kyle Holder and the Indians picked righty Trevor Stephan.

Players selected in the Rule 5 draft must stick with the team that picked them on their active major-league roster for the entire season. If they don’t, they have to be offered back to their previous club.

Holder was the Yankees’ first-round pick (30th overall) in 2015. He’s ready to play a high-level shortstop, but he hasn’t hit in the minors, posting just a .264 with a .667 OPS in five seasons.

MLB Pipeline ranked Stephan, a 25-year-old who had a 4.73 ERA between Double-A and High-A in 2019, as the Yankees’ No. 24 overall prospect just ahead of the draft. From MLB Pipeline:

Stephan depends heavily on his fastball, which can get swings and misses in the strike zone when he locates it where he wants. Using a deceptive crossfire and uphill delivery that’s tough on right-handers, he works from 91-96 mph and tops out at 98 with a lot of running action on his heater. He never showed much aptitude for spinning a curveball and has found more success with a mid-80s slider/cutter that features high spin rates.

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Here’s a portion of MLB Pipeline’s scouting report on Whitlock from the 2019 season:

Whitlock’s low-three-quarters delivery produces 91-94 mph two-seam fastballs with tremendous sink, leading to a stellar 1.7 groundout/airout ratio in 2018. He’ll occasionally reach back and hit 96 mph with a four-seamer, but his No. 2 pitch is low-80 slider with two-plane depth. He uses a decent changeup to keep left-handers in check.

Hitters have a tough time picking up Whitlock’s pitches because he uses his 6-foot-5 frame to create impressive extension and unusual angle. He has thrown more strikes as a pro than he did in college, enhancing his profile as a starter. He also could be valuable as a multi-inning reliever and his first opportunity in New York could come in that role.

Yankees’ Gary Sanchez’s Winter League debut includes a bloop hit, but lots of whiffing (again)

By Randy Miller

Just like old times — old, old times — Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez offered one flash of his offensive skillset Friday night during his first Dominican Winter League game in six seasons, which didn’t go well overall.

His second at-bat, Sanchez worked a deep count, then dropped a soft liner over the second baseman’s head into right field grass and the Toros del Este were up 1-0 in the fourth inning. This nice piece of opposite-field hitting against Tigres del Licey right-hander Albert Abreu, a Yankees prospect who debuted in the majors this year, evoked memories of the two-time All-Star’s many great at-bats early in his career.

This wasn’t Sanchez showing off his tremendous power, but it was similar to 2016 when he hit .299 as a rookie and the next year when he hit .278. The thought of Sanchez’s ability to be a better hitter next season surely is one of the biggest reasons why the Yankees opted on Wednesday to tender him a contract instead of dumping him following a dreadful all-around 2020.

As for the rest of Sanchez’s night, his presence wearing a black-and-orange, No. 35 Toros shirt was similar to many of his at-bats this year when he was No. 24 for the Yankees. Batting fourth and DHing, Sanchez finished the evening 1-for-5 with three strikeouts in a 2-1 Toros victory.

In his first at-bat, Sanchez went down swinging on four pitches facing Abreu. In his third, he struck out on four pitches with the bases loaded batting against righty Robinson Leyer, a Boston Red Sox farmhand who reached the majors for the first time this year at age 27 and allowed 11 runs over 4 2/3 innings. He flied out to right in the seventh inning batting against Los Angeles Angels reliever Hansel Robles, then struck out again in the ninth on three pitches facing Jairo Ascenio, a 37-year-old righty who appeared in 43 big-league games from 2009-13.

Considering the strikeouts and the level of competition, Sanchez’s first game probably wasn’t a big confidence boost that will help him turn the page on his 2020 season with the Yankees, which ended with five benchings in seven postseason games.

In the regular season, Sanchez batted a horrendous .147 with 10 homers, 24 RBI and 64 strikeouts in 156 at-bats in 49 games. Defensively, he led all MLB catchers in passed balls for the third time in four seasons and errors for the second consecutive year. Also, backup Kyle Higashioka became ace Gerrit Cole’s personal catcher by midseason.

Sanchez also hit for a low average in 2017 and 2018 while being heavily criticized by fans and media for his receiving, so he definitely has some things to work on during his winter-league games.

This is just Sanchez’s second DWL season and his first since he was a 20-year-old prospect in 2013-14. Then, he batted .179 with no homers, two RBI and nine strikeouts in 28 at-bats over 12 games with the Toros.

The Toros are based in La Victoria, D.R., which is 77 miles east of Sanchez’s hometown, La Roma. They’re excited about Sanchez joining them three weeks into the season, which was shortened from 50 games to 30 due to the pandemic.

“It is a luxury for the Toros and the league to have Gary back,” Toros general manager Raymond Abreu told Dominican media outlet precision.com.do. “We are sure that his impact will be enormous both on and off the field.”

Angels gunning for Trevor Bauer? J.T. Realmuto to Nationals? Nelson Cruz, Brad Hand, Ronald Torreyes updates

The latest MLB rumors includes updates on (clockwise from top left) free agents Trevor Bauer, J.T. Realmuto, Nelson Cruz and Brad Hand.

By Randy Miller

While we continue waiting for the first big free agent signing of the winter, rumors for some of the top players available continue to circulate.

Catcher J.T. Realmuto may still end up back in the National League East even though the Phillies are saying they no longer can afford to re-sign him and the Mets are focused on James McCann.

The latest news and gossip also includes an update on Trevor Bauer, the top free agent starting pitcher on the market, plus slugger Nelson Cruz, closer Brad Hand, reigning NL home run and RBI champ Marcell Ozuna and former Yankees fan favorite Ronald Torreyes.

TREVOR BAUER, RHP

Status: Free agent.

Age: 29 (30 on Jan 17, 2021).

2020 stats: Cincinnati Reds, 5-4, 1.73 ERA, 11 starts, 73 IP, 41 hits, 17 runs, 14 ER, 9 HR 17 BB, 100 K.

The latest: The perennial-mediocre Angels need starting pitching more than anything and ownership isn’t planning to cut payroll, so their No. 1 offseason priority might be going all in on Bauer, the reigning NL Cy Young winner. “He absolutely would check that ace box for the Angels and they have an ability to do that,” Angels radio voice Trent Rush said Friday on MLB Network’s High Heat. “Shortstop being a position that was an unknown just three days ago, getting a really good player (trading for) Jose Iglesias on a contract that’s for $3.5 million instead of paying maybe the $15 million or $16 million it would cost for (free agents Marcus) Semien or a (Didi) Gregorius … I think they can now take that money and spend it on pitching, which is what the Angels are really going to have to do to be contenders in 2021. This is a win now situation. You go get those pitching pieces and you can really start to make a push.” The Mets may be the Angels’ biggest competition for Bauer. If the Mets fill their catcher hole by signing McCann instead of the more-expensive Realmuto, that could leave money to land two of the top free agents, outfielder George Springer and Bauer. “If they do bring McCann in, I think that leaves them in play for both Springer in center field and Bauer in the rotation,” Mets WFAN insider Ed Coleman said on High Heat. “I don’t know if they’ll go for both, but I think it’s a possibility.”

* * *

NELSON CRUZ, DH

Status: Free agent.

Age: 40 (41 on July 1, 2021).

2020 stats: Minnesota Twins, .303 average, 185 AB, 33 runs, 56 hits, 6 doubles, 16 HR, 33 RBI, 25 BB, 58 K, .992 OPS, 53 games.

The latest: The Twins offered a one-year contract to Cruz last October that no longer is on the table, La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported. Both sides are still interested in working a new deal, but Cruz is seeking a two-year pact and waiting for clarity on the National League adopting the DH for good starting in 2021, which is probable. Cruz now is in his 40s, but is coming off another standout season after averaging 34 homers and 94 RBI from 2009-19. In October, Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey told MLB.com, “We see a fit for him here and we’re hopeful that can work out.”

* * *

BRAD HAND, LHP

Status: Free agent.

Age: 30 (31 on March 20, 2021).

2020 stats: Cleveland Indians, 2-1, 2.05 ERA, 16 saves, 23 games, 22 IP, 13 hits, 8 runs, 5 HR, 4 BB, 29 K.

The latest: MLB Network insider JP Morosi sees the Dodgers as a possible landing spot for Hand, a three-time All-Star who led the majors in saves last season while converting all 16 of his opportunities. Hand became a free agent on Oct. 30 when the Indians declined a $10-million club option. The Dodgers traded on Wednesday for reliever Corey Knebel, a righty had 39 saves and was an All-Star in 2017 playing for the Brewers, but adding a high-leverage lefty to pitch in a setup role or replace struggling closer Kenley Jansen could be on their wish list, too. ” They’re a team that I believe would still one more reliever, maybe Brad Hand,” Morosi said.

* * *

JAMES MCCANN, C

Status: Free agent.

Age: 30 (31 on June 13, 2021).

2020 stats: Chicago White Sox, .289 average, 97 AB, 20 runs, 28 hits, 3 doubles, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 1 SB, 8 BB, 30 K, .896 OPS, 31 games.

The latest: While the Mets still could backtrack to Realmuto, their talks with McCann have become serious. “I was told by a source that conversations have intensified,” Morosi said on Hot Stove. “Dare I say right now, James McCann appears to be a more likely catcher in Queens than J.T. Realmuto. He had been let go earlier in his career by the Tigers, and he goes to the White Sox and really builds some impressive numbers. I think McCann really impressed a lot of people around the game, not just with his production, but how he handled the changing role. The White Sox went out and signed a top-notch free agent last winter (in Yasmani Grandal) to play the very same position, and you heard zero complaining from James McCann about that. He’s a total pro. So there has been a lot of intense conversation between the Mets and McCann’s camp. It would not surprise me if that’s where he ends up, but other teams are involved on what is a really promising and really prime-age free agent catcher.”

MARCELL OZUNA, OF

Status: Free agent.

Age: 30 (31 on Nov. 12, 2021).

2020 stats: Atlanta Braves, .338 average, 228 AB, 38 runs, 77 hits, 14 doubles, 18 HR, 56 RBI, 38 BB, 60 K, 1.067 OPS, 60 games.

The latest: Jon Morori reports that the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays are pursuing Ozona, who is seeking a very lucrative contract after nearly winning the NL triple crown in 2020. Ozuna led the league in homers and RBI, and finished third in hitting, 13 percentage points behind batting champ Juan Soto.

* * *

J.T. REALMUTO, C

Status: Free agent.

Age: 29 (30 on March 18, 2021).

2020 stats: Philadelphia Phillies, .266 average, 173 AB, 33 runs, 46 hits, 6 doubles, 11 HR, 32 RBI, 4 SB, 16 BB, 48 K, .840 OPS, 47 games.

The latest: The top catcher in the game may remain in the NL East even though the Phillies sent strong signals that they can’t afford to re-sign him and the Mets are pursuing McCann hard. MLB Network insider J.P. Morosi thinks the Washington Nationals would become a favorite to sign Realmuto if the Mets get to the finish line with McCann. “Perhaps the most likely team to get Realmuto in that situation would be the Nationals,” Morosi said. “They’ve seen him up close for the entirety of his career, first the Marlins and then the Phillies, and know what a great two-way catcher that he is. And that would be a great win for the Nationals when you consider the way their club is set up. Yes, they still have some pitching to get, but the top of their rotation is in pretty good shape. Certainly this would not be well received by (Phillies star and) noted former National Bryce Harper if Realmuto goes back to play in our nation’s capital, but I do think the Nationals are in the market for a catcher and in so many ways Realmuto fits their club as well as any other club. I like that fit. Nationals and Realmuto, if in fact McCann signs with the Mets.”

* * *

RONALD TORREYES, INF

Club: Philadelphia Phillies.

Age: 28 (29 on Sept. 2, 2021).

2020 stats: Phillies, .143 average, 7 AB, 1 run, 1 hit, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K, .429 OPS, 4 games.

The latest: Torreyes rejoined the Phillies on a minor-league deal Friday after doing the same last winter. In 2020, he spent four days with the Phillies and the rest at their alternate site in Allentown, Pa. Playing for the Yankees from 2016-18, Torreyes was popular with teammates and fans when he hit .281 over 221 games.