The Biggest Questions Facing the Yankees Offense for 2017

Are More Veterans on the Way Out?

For the first time in their history, the New York Yankees were full-on sellers at the trade deadline. The front office shipped out three of their best players in Carlos Beltran, Andrew Miller, and Aroldis Chapman, as well as a viable starting pitcher in Ivan Nova.

With the team’s success since the sell-off, general manager Brian Cashman has demonstrated to ownership that it’s possible to get younger without getting worse.

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There were no violent revolts from the fans following the trades and the against all odds the Yankees continue to play meaningful baseball in September.

That may have provided Cashman and principal owner Hal Steinbrenner with the encouragement they need to continue moving their big money veterans this winter to make room for more of their top prospects.

Catcher Brian McCann lost his starting job to Gary Sanchez in August is wasted as a full time designated hitter given his defensive prowess. He’s still one of the better offensive catchers in baseball and should draw interest if he’s made available. McCann’s former club the Atlanta Braves were one team with serious interest at the trade deadline.

Leftfielder Brett Gardner is another candidate to be moved this winter. He’s still reasonably priced and productive for the moment, but fresh off his 33rd birthday, that may not be the case for long. There are no shortage of candidates to replace him in the short term, with Yankees top prospect Clint Frazier the heir apparent in the long run.

Next: Is There Help on the Way?