Jeff Passan extinguishes Yankees-Bryan Reynolds rumors, takes small shot at fan desperation

New York Yankees fans focused on capping an impressive offseason with a Bryan Reynolds trade to blow the doors off should probably find a new hobby to pass the time in January, February and March. Maybe woodworking?

If the deal wasn’t already signed, sealed and burned to the ground when it was revealed a few weeks back that Pittsburgh was eyeing top-shelf pitching rather than Jasson Dominguez types, Jeff Passan tried his best to refocus fans’ energy during his Tuesday appearance on The Michael Kay Show, while also reminding them that … they’ve wanted a youth movement for a while, right?

When Passan was asked who might man left field for the Yankees, he offered that it seemed unlikely to be Reynolds, who requested a trade weeks ago and could be waiting until the trade deadline.

He didn’t pencil Aaron Hicks in either, though, instead calling on fans to embrace their “good, young players,” who’ve been waiting in the wings for Oswaldo Cabrera.

He’s got a point, too. Didn’t people love Cabrera’s energy last year? Didn’t he prove his mettle? If he’s not going to play short, second, or third, where else is he going to play?

Jeff Passan thinks Yankees should forget Bryan Reynolds, play “good young players”

While it’s true that there doesn’t have to be an All-Star at every position for the 2023 Yankees to compete, it’s … also possible the infusion of star power every fan is so desperate for will come from within.

It’s fair to say the team has shied away from putting top prospects in the spotlight in recent years, but they’ve also constructed their past two offseasons around the idea that Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza will both play front-and-center roles moving forward. To shirk their talents now would be an egregious betrayal of their own ideology and recent behavior. Let Cabrera tag along, and suddenly you’re getting increased production from three great budding stars instead of Hicks, Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

For those arguing that bringing Aaron Judge back merely maintains the status quo, allow Passan and the previous paragraph to readjust your expectations.

As for where Reynolds might end up? Keep your eyes on the Texas Rangers, who’ve “won the offseason” two years running and have the pitching to make noise here.

The Dodgers could wake up and decide to center their trade package around Bobby Miller, but the Rangers might be able to match and exceed that offer with two of their three top-100 names.

The Yankees? They’re going to turn internally, a phrase that sounds less depressing when you realize the kids are involved.