Yankees: How to extend their championship window

Judge could agree to a deal that buys out one year of his free agency for upwards of $25 million if it guarantees him more money throughout his arbitration years, but overall I think Judge would be the least likely to sign such an extension given the money he’s already making through endorsements.

Severino could command something similar to Corey Kluber’s extension, which bought out one year of free agency for a salary between $14 and 18 million, which is a huge steal barring a significant drop-off from Kluber.

For Sanchez, the Yankees could look towards Buster Posey’s extension, although this wouldn’t be a perfect example as Posey already played three years when his deal was signed.

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If they’re able to sign one of these three to an extension and they’re also able to land extensions with both Torres and Andujar (or some of their other top prospects), the Yankees could extend their window of contention another two or so years. Freeing up payroll to resign more of their players or sign new free agents.

This would, of course, require the Steinbrenner’s breaking their cardinal rule of not offering any extensions to people still under contract, but Hal seems open to running things differently than his father, as evidenced by him signing off on being sellers at the 2016 trade deadline.

Next: Miguel Andujar taking control of third base job

There’s no doubt Hal fancies himself as a more efficient, cost-conscious owner, and this would be another way to distinguish himself from his father. In fact, due to the stiff luxury tax penalties, this is the best way to do business and there should be little doubt that The Boss’ way is outdated in the current MLB climate.