CBS Sports free agency projection leaves door open for Yankees to make bad decision

If there's one thing we've learned about the New York Yankees in this bizarre era of "not spending" but somehow still fielding massive payrolls from 2018-present day, it's that general manager Brian Cashman loves a deal.

The first piece of evidence suggesting that was the Giancarlo Stanton trade. The Yankees knew the Marlins badly wanted to offload that money and that it would cost them very little in a trade. And they were right. The Yanks acquired Stanton for next to nothing and the Marlins threw in $30 million. The reigning NL MVP for $285 million instead of Bryce Harper or Manny Machado for $300 + million? Music to the front office and ownership's ears.

After that, the Yankees kept a high payroll, but opted not to add big names to their roster so they could reset the luxury tax. Then they were forced to pay Gerrit Cole the most money ever for a starter. Then they continued to loaf around, trading for Joey Gallo, Anthony Rizzo, Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, thinking they could get star-level production for a fraction of the price. They didn't.

Then they tired to lowball Aaron Judge before Opening Day in 2022, which was a ploy to "let the record show we tried and he said no!" Judge ended up forcing their hand with an all-time performance and it cost them an additional $150 million. That's simply what you get.

The Yankees no longer go after obvious expensive fits. They beat around the bush until they find their preferred price, and the talent never matches the expected production. That's why fans should be nervous about CBS Sports' latest free agency prediction for Alex Verdugo.

CBS Sports free agency projection leaves door open for Yankees to make bad decision

Aaron Judge, as we've come to learn, orchestrated the offseason trade for Verdugo. Cashman obliged and likely didn't mind because, again, it cost next to nothing in terms of prospect capital, and Verdugo was heading into a contract year. If Verdugo performed incredibly, he would've priced himself out of New York. If he performed poorly, they wouldn't have a reason to bring him back.

... or would they? CBS Sports rightfully believes Verdugo will be forced to take a one-year deal in free agency to rebuild his value for 2026. Though that's not a revelation beyond comprehension, it does leave the door open for the Yankees to do something stupid. For example, they could non-tender Trent Grisham and re-sign Verdugo, which would still make the outfield picture cloudy.

The Yankees have disrespected just about all of their prospects in the modern era, with the exception of Anthony Volpe, who forced the organization to go in the complete opposite direction. The kid can't even get a day of rest. He must play every single inning regardless of how poorly he performs. There's no possible solution, despite having multiple other shortstop options to fill in for a day or two. Jasson Dominguez was supposed to be an integral piece in 2024, but the Yankees delayed him as long as possible after his injuries when there was little reason to.

Now, we don't think the Yankees would bring back Verdugo after watching him put up career-worst numbers and not provide an upgrade over anybody they've used since Brett Gardner was shunned. But if Judge likes Verdugo and he comes at the right price, we can't rule it out until he has an agreement in place with another club.