When The Yankees Make a Move, Huge Domino Effects Will Follow

Obviously, the Yankees have had quite a quiet offseason up to this point. The main reason for this is because of the standoff they are having with Cody Bellinger. The uncertainty about whether or not his salary will be on the books makes it difficult to decide the budget for other moves. When Bellinger makes his decision, a domino effect will follow. And there are multiple moves the Yankees could make that would lead to other kinds of domino effects. Let’s take a look into what that might mean.

First of all, Bellinger’s decision will immediately cause the Yankees to have to make another decision regarding the outfield. You see, Trent Grisham unexpectedly accepting the qualifying offer has thrown a wrench in the Yankees’ plans. It now means that if Bellinger (or someone else) signs, the outfield is full and Jasson Dominguez will once again not be able to get full-time starter reps, which is already killing his development. Brian Cashman revealed that if the Yankees don’t add a third outfielder, Dominguez and top prospect Spencer Jones will fight it out for the final outfield spot. If Dominguez were to lose that competition, he would become expendable. And if the Yankees bring back Bellinger or add Tucker on a long-term deal, both Jones and Dominguez could be expendable. The Yankees still look like the frontrunners to sign Bellinger, and if they do, I think it’s highly likely that the next domino to fall would be trading Dominguez. I find it unlikely that Spencer Jones gets traded, as he is the Yankees’ no. 2 prospect, and Trent Grisham is only around for another year. But Dominguez could easily be used in a trade for a pitcher. This is likely why the Yankees haven’t been able to strike a trade yet. If/when Bellinger signs, I can see Dominguez being traded as part of a trade for a pitcher within a couple of days. This is the first domino to fall.

This is the perfect time to segway into potential pitcher trades. First of all, I want to point out that the Yankees will not give up too much for a starter. The Yankees badly need bullpen, whereas the rotation is just fine without adding another name. Right now, the rotation is set to be Cole, Fried, Rodon, Schlittler, and Gil. That is very, very good. Cole and Rodon are injured, yes, but they’re only slated to miss a month. And Will Warren and Ryan Yarbrough are more than good enough to hold those spots until Cole and Rodon return, and then move to the bullpen. Adding another starter would mean that Gil, the 2024 AL rookie of the year, would also eventually have to move to the bullpen. This is completely unnecessary. Gil is a very valuable starting pitcher, and they could probably get more out of trading him than out of using him as a reliever. Remember in 2022 when the Yankees traded Jordan Montgomery when it was clear he would have to move to the bullpen? I believe the same thing happens to Gil if the Yankees acquire a starter. The question is whether or not they will acquire a starter. They opted not to sign Imai, and we just saw Edward Cabrera get traded to the Cubs. The Yankees likely did not sign Imai because of their uncertainty with the payroll, and they likely did not acquire Edward Cabrera because they cannot yet trade Jasson Dominguez. This all ties back to the Bellinger situation, which as we’ve established, is the first domino that has to fall before a move can be made. The Yankees are currently rumored to be looking into trading for Freddy Peralta or Mackenzie Gore. But again, I do not expect a move like this until after Bellinger makes his decision.

Let’s look into another domino effect situation. This one is a little bit more farfetched, albeit still possible. Austin Wells, the Yankees young catcher, just had a very disappointing sophomore year in pinstripes. Meanwhile, first baseman Ben Rice look fantastic in his first full season in pinstripes. And as we know, Rice can play catcher. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Yankees add a first baseman, move Rice to catcher, and then trade Wells. Cody Bellinger can play first base. Who says the Yankees can’t use Bellinger at first base, let Dominguez & Jones compete for the last outfield spot, move Rice to catcher, and then use Wells in a trade for a pitcher? This situation is farfetched, but still possible. Much more possible than the recent rumor of signing Bo Bichette and trading Jazz Chisholm, which I believe is highly unlikely.

Ultimately, it all starts with what happens with Bellinger. If they don’t re-sign Bellinger, there is also still the possible of signing Tucker, who is now reportedly open to a short-term deal with opt-outs. Once the Bellinger/Tucker situation clears up, we will have a better idea of the Yankees’ budget as well as if Jasson Dominguez and/or Spencer Jones becomes expendable. The Yankees will then be able to start making their trades/signings for pitching. I believe they will definitely bring in relievers, that is a necessity, but a starter is something the Yankees don’t have to do if they have to give up too much. And if they add a starter, don’t be surprised if the next domino to fall is a Luis Gil trade. Gil can be traded for a position player, reliever, or prospects. Anything can happen, and it is way to hard to predict right now. Just remember, once the Bellinger situation clears up, that’s when things will start to happen in The Bronx.

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