Which veterans could be nearing the end of their Yankees tenure?

With the Yankees all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, the team has been focusing on its younger players.

With Anthony Volpe already starting at shortstop all season, Everson Pereira and Oswald Peraza joined the fray when they were promoted on Aug. 22. Oswaldo Cabrera is also expected to play more regularly than he has, and the Yankees have spent a great deal of time talking about other prospects in recent days.

But what about the team’s veterans? How do they play into the rest of this season and the team’s 2024 plans?

Let’s take a look at a handful of notable, seasoned players and what their futures may hold.

LUIS SEVERINO

Status: Impending free agent

A former Cy Young finalist, Severino has been one of the worst pitchers in baseball this year with a 6.64 ERA through 81.1 innings. But the righty has shown flashes of his old self over his last two starts, something he’d like to do more of as he heads for the open market.

Either way, the 29-year-old should be a fascinating free agent given his lengthy injury history. That figures to suppress his value more than his struggles, as teams could view the career Yankee as a worthwhile reclamation project. But those same factors make it hard to see Severino sticking in pinstripes — even though he expressed a desire to earlier this season — as the Yankees need a roster with more dependable players.

HARRISON BADER

Status: Impending free agent

The Yankees got the elite defensive centerfielder they were looking for last season when they acquired Bader from the Cardinals for Jordan Montgomery. But Bader has also succumbed to injuries, and his bat hasn’t been great despite a few scorching stretches.

The 29-year-old, slumping, Bronxville native has sat a few times in recent days as the Yankees focus on their youth. The team could extend a qualifying offer to Bader this winter as multiple centerfield prospects continue to develop, but he should prioritize security given his injury history.

GIANCARLO STANTON

Status: After this year, the Yankees owe him $98 million through 2027

The Yankees would benefit greatly from trading Stanton, as his contract, injury history and lack of mobility — especially in the outfield — has hindered the roster’s efficiency for years. His powerful bat has excused that somewhat in the past, but that hasn’t been the case this season.

Of course, all of that makes Stanton, 33, nearly impossible to move. Even if the Yankees were to find a taker — perhaps Stanton’s hometown Dodgers? — they would have to eat a significant portion of his salary for years to come. Ironically, the Marlins chose to do exactly that when they traded Stanton to the Yankees.

ISIAH KINER-FALEFA

Status: Impending free agent

After a disastrous first year in the Bronx, Kiner-Falefa has earned the appreciation of fans, played just about every position, and been one of the Yankees’ most consistent hitters in 2023.

He recently said he would like to return, but he added that he wants to play more than he has this season. The 28-year-old’s versatility and contact skills could make him an attractive target in a weak free-agent class. The Yankees, meanwhile, have a cheaper super utilityman in Cabrera.

GLEYBER TORRES

Status: Arbitration eligible

Torres, 26, has been the Yankees’ best hitter who has also stayed healthy this season. As bad as the last-place offense has been, things could have been even worse without the second baseman after an offseason of trade rumors.

But with Torres already making $9.95 million prior to his final year of arbitration, the Yankees could try to offload his soon-to-be-increasing salary this winter. They have few young middle infielders in the organization, including Peraza, and Torres may just be their most valuable proven trade chip given his age and production at a position that doesn’t feature many better hitters.

WANDY PERALTA

Status: Impending free agent

Peralta has been excellent since joining the Yankees in 2021, and the lefty is a beloved member of the team’s bullpen.

But Peralta is also one of several examples that have shown the Yankees are capable of finding or developing bargain relievers. At 32 years old, the Yankees could easily go in a cheaper, younger direction.

KYLE HIGASHIOKA

Status: Arbitration eligible

Higashioka, another career-long Yankee, still has another year of arbitration. But the team could opt against bringing the 33-year-old catcher back with Austin Wells waiting in the wings, Ben Rortvedt on the 40-man roster and the injured Jose Trevino also under contract.

KEYNAN MIDDLETON

Status: Impending free agent

The Yankees didn’t do much at the trade deadline, but Middleton has been a strong addition to the bullpen since coming over from the White Sox. The Yankees might be able to re-sign the 29-year-old on a cheap contract after Middleton inked a minor league deal with Chicago last offseason. But if not, they don’t usually have trouble finding bullpen arms.

DOMINGO GERMAN

Status: Arbitration eligible

It would be a surprise if Germán, 31, returned to the Yankees in 2024 after a clubhouse incident led to the pitcher receiving season-ending treatment for alcohol abuse and a second stint on the restricted list. But the Yankees stuck with Germán following his 2019 domestic violence suspension, and his nameplate has remained above his locker at Yankee Stadium.

FRANKIE MONTAS

Status: Impending free agent

One of the worst trade acquisitions in Yankees history, Montas is not expected to pitch for the team this season before entering free agency. The 30-year-old underwent shoulder surgery last offseason after appearing in just eight games for the Yankees last year following a trade from Oakland.

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from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/Q2B8iwY