Yankees Brian Cashman will craft his final legacy today

Two: What will it cost? And what will be the impact on the organization’s depth?

So far, Cashman has made smart, necessary trades. Garret Cooper is needed to complete the first base platoon with Headley, who can’t hit lefties anymore. Losing Blake Rutherford hurt, but they cannot keep all of their outfielders, and the bullpen seems solid through next year; Tommy Kahnle will be under control until 2020.

Also, a great depth of talent means a crowded 40-man roster. And no one wants another Luis Torrens situation. So trading Dietrich Enns and Zack Littell—two promising but not blue chip minor league players who would have to be protected—for a solid number four makes sense. The 2017 New York Yankees got a lot better, and two roster spots were opened up.

But Gray looks to cost the team considerable talent. Here is where Cashman’s final legacy will have some of its most important lines written.

And to do so correctly, he has to start by guessing who will become the next great player, and who the next Austin Jackson. Jorge Mateo has all the talent; will his attitude and approach at the plate continue to sink him? Or will he rise? And what about Estevan Florial. He might figure large into the Yankees future.

At least if history is any guide.