7 moves the Yankees must make after embarrassing playoff exit

5. Trade Aroldis Chapman, Gary Sanchez and Adam Ottavino

The Yankees need to make these trades happen, and that’s the end of it.

Whether you agree or not, the Yankees need to cut bait with these players before the 2021 season starts, and it’s hard to argue.

Just imagine what will happen if Aroldis Chapman blows another playoff game. With fans involved. New York City might burn to the ground. Gary Sanchez played 12 innings during the ALDS. Adam Ottavino pitched 0.2 innings. Chapman is making $16 million. Gary is likely due for $5 million or more. Otto is set to earn $9 million.

If these guys are proving to be a detriment and/or if manager Aaron Boone is reluctant to use them, then what’s the point? Find them new homes, rid yourself of the salary, and take whatever you can get in return. There are immediate solutions for all of these potential vacancies.

The first and most obvious is Zack Britton. He’s a closer and is more comfortable in that role. Let him own it for 2021 and beyond. Signing Hendriks and Treinen helps fill the potential Chapman and Otto departures in a much more cost-effective manner, and both of those veterans are much better suited for high-leverage situations.

As for Sanchez, it’s clear Kyle Higashioka is capable of starting, but the Yankees would more than likely prefer a platoon behind the plate. Sign another catcher — a ton are about to hit the market — and have that be your plan for 2021. The Yankees need defense at the catcher position more than anything else, not a liability who bats under .200 and is only good for home runs. The lineup has plenty of those kinds of hitters.

You can probably fetch solid prospects for all of these guys, but unloading the salaries will be most important in keeping other important players around and making some additions in free agency.

The only thing to make note of here is that Chapman has a full no-trade clause in his contract. He must approve any deal before it is made official. We’d like to think he’ll approve one to another contender, especially if it’s made clear he’s no longer wanted in New York.