Yankees News: Non-tender deadline, 40-man roster, Domingo Germán, Jake Bauers

When McKinney and Co. were sent away on Thursday, that left Yankees Twitter buzzing about one name more than any other: Jake Bauers.

Bauers seemed like a diamond in the rough when he was first promoted, ranking among the Yankees' leaders in OPS far longer than expected (which was an indictment on just about everything, sure, but Bauers was legitimately in the .800s and performing well). Midway through the campaign, though, the lefty hit an historic wall, which happened to basically coincide with Anthony Rizzo's rehab and fuzzy departure. The spotlight was on Bauers, and his resulting horrific slump left him under .700 in the OPS department at .693; he finished subtracting -0.9 bWAR from New York's moribund offense. That won't play.

So why wasn't Bauers sent packing Thursday? Does that mean he stays, as much of the internet decided in unison? Yes and no. It could mean the Yankees keep him in the system, but it has nothing to do with the prominence of his role moving forward. It likely means they plan to attempt to shop him prior to Nov. 17, and will make their final decision over the next few weeks. Regardless of whether he stays or goes, he won't be a starter next season. Not everyone at Triple-A Scranton has to be someone Yankees Twitter is united behind in full faith, folks.

How Many Players Are Currently on Yankees 40-Man Roster? Open Spots

Thursday represented the easiest portion of the dirty work, but just because six men have departed doesn't mean the 40-man is all the way down to 34 players. Remember all the long-term injured guys who were sent to the 60-day IL and left for dead? Yeah. They're going to have to be dealt with soon.

Entering Thursday, 43 men were either on the 40-man roster or long-term IL (Luis Severino and other free agents have already formally departed). Weber took up one of those IL spots, while Germán and Cordero were both ineligible at season's end (but were still listed among those 43 spots).

Prior to the start of 2024, the Yankees will (presumably) activate Nestor Cortes Jr., Anthony Rizzo, Jose Trevino, Luis Gil, and Scott Effross, leaving Jasson Dominguez (sad) and Lou Trivino on the shelf for a while longer. With the 40-man now at 37, they'll need two more spots cleared to accommodate those activations. A season full of injuries leads to significant overcrowding; more DFAs and non-tenders are on the horizon. Players in danger include Bauers, Higgy, Ben Rortvedt, Estevan Florial, Anthony Misiewicz, Albert Abreu, and Matt Krook.

MLB News: Padres Financial Problems, Juan Soto trade, Max Muncy

*The San Diego Padres reportedly took out a $50 million loan at the end of the 2023 season in order to cover payroll costs. According to The Athletic, they tried to make that loan $100 million, but MLB said, "That's scary money. Do 50." Considering we already knew they were trying to clear $50 million in payroll this offseason, in an ideal world, that certainly makes it sound as if a Juan Soto trade is a necessity.

*Max Muncy and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a team-friendly two-year, $24 million extension with an option for 2026 that buys out the option year he initially had for 2024. Some thought the Dodgers might shake up their core by picking up Muncy's option and dangling him on the trade market. That will not happen.

*What on earth is the Braves Foundation, and why does it receive a little kickback every time Atlanta makes a personnel move? Regardless, in a completely unsurprising development, the Braves struck first this offseason, extending reliever Joe Jimenéz while the Rangers were still nursing their hangover.

*Former Boston Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodríguez plans to opt out of his contract and enter free agency, if that kind of thing interests you. No! Eduardo, wait! Once you do that, you won't have a no-trade clause anymore! Eduardooooo!