3 Yankees who should probably be non-tendered before Friday's deadline

Lou Trivino

Brian Cashman whining about injuries when arguing with reporters at the GM Meetings last week had us thinking ... then WHY do you keep carrying oft-injured/injured players?! Lou Trivino would fall under the latter category for 2024.

He underwent Tommy John surgery in May. That, at best, puts him on pace for a second half return. You might think that isn't so bad, but think again for a second. On what planet is one's peak production immediately replicated in their first games back from reconstructive elbow surgery? Never! And why would you factor such a question mark into your plans?

Trivino is set to earn $4.1 million in 2024, which means the Yankees, again, in a best-case scenario, would be paying that amount for a half-season of up-and-down production. We don't doubt Trivino can get back to form rather quickly, we just won't bet on it. And far too many times that's where the Yankees have placed their wagers.

Not to mention, this is Trivino's final year of arbitration eligibility. He's a free agent after 2024, so it's not like the Yankees are getting multiple cost-effective years with a roadmap for him to remain a key bullpen piece. Non-tendering him and Higgy, right off the bat, would save $5.4 million, or what we'd call "halfway to Kevin Kiermaier."