Yankees six degrees of separation: Blake Rutherford to Yu Darvish

Internal Options

First and third have been drags on the offense; we can see that without learning any backroom machinations. The Yankees must see a 2018 with Greg Bird on first, backed up by Tyler Austin, with Miguel Andujar at third.

That leaves three players for two infield spots: Didi Gregorius, Starlin Castro, and Gleyber Torres. Torres is a budding star, and even younger and under team control for longer than either of the other two. He’d be playing now if he were not injured.

That means that either Didi or Starlin will have to go; I can’t wait for the comments section after that statement. Based on their recent decisions, the Yankees will probably trade Didi Gregorius and keep Starlin Castro because he hits more home runs.

Love Hurts

And if not Didi, someone of that above mentioned group has to go in the next 12 months. There are only so many bases to play. Besides, smart organizations always trade from a position of strength at one position to create a stronger overall team. For the Yankees that means trading for starting pitching.

All three of those players are significant pieces and could bring back an impact arm. Didi, for example, is under team control through the 2019 season and is already playing at an All-Star level. Starlin was an actual AS this year. If it wasn’t for Gleyber Torres, I would never suggest either be traded.

But what if Cashman traded one of them for a young arm like Chris Archer? That would make sense for both teams as the Rays have postseason dreams of their own. They already have a younger, better pitcher in Jacob Faria and need an upgrade at shortstop.

This would be a win-win trade. And if not Archer specifically, someone akin to him is realistic for a young, talented, proven All-Star infielder under team control for a couple more years.