With the MLB Trade Deadline over, the New York Yankees have turned their attention to the rest of the season. While the Hot Stove has cooled off substantially, there are still a few rumors rumblings and news tidbits around the club. Check out all the latestYankees rumors and news below.
Yankees not cutting Rodriguez
Despite several reports to the contrary, New York general manager Brian Cashman told ESPN that the team has no plans to release struggling slugger Alex Rodriguez despite his lack of playing time over the last month:
“First and foremost, you just have to admit it’s not easy to go ahead and eat — meaning release — that kind of money. It’s not something you come to a quick decision on. There are players around the game with big contracts, well-below-average players, for many years, not just a year. Alex hit 33 home runs, I believe, last year. … If we choose to do something, that’s our right at any time, but right now that’s not being done.”
A-Rod is struggling this year, batting just .204 with nine homers and 24 RBIs. However, the Yankees have praised him as a locker room mentor to their young players, which will likely be his role for much of the remaining season.
Teixeira to retire
First baseman Mark Teixeira will announce his plans to retire after the season at a press conference Friday afternoon, according to ESPN's Buster Olney:
Mark Teixeira expected to announce his retirement later today, at 36, effective at the end of the season.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) August 5, 2016
Mark Teixeira's career: 400 doubles, 404 HRs. First season with NYY: 85 extra-base hits, 122 RBI, a championship. Missed 307 g. last 5 years
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) August 5, 2016
Those injuries are certainly a factor in Teixeira's decision. He is batting .198 with 10 homers and 27 RBIs in 77 games this season, spending time as both a first baseman and designated hitter.
Yankees to eat money to move McCann?
Brian McCann is New York's starting catcher, but with his eventual replacement (Gary Sanchez) sitting behind him, it may be time for the Yankees to move on. However, in order for the Yankees to move McCann, he will have to clear waivers - and New York will have to take on almost all of his salary.
Via Joe Giglio of NJ.com:
Between now and August 31, teams can still work out trades. Of course, players must pass through waivers in order for a deal to commence.
Luckily for the suddenly young(ish) Yankees, catcher Brian McCann is the kind of player that likely would pass through waivers. Prior to the deadline, rumors connected McCann to the Atlanta Braves—the original organization he grew up with.
On a recent list of August trade candidates, Paul Hagen of MLB.com listed McCann and thinks a connection could still be there between New York and Atlanta this month—under one condition: The Yankees would have to eat some of the money owed to McCann on his current contract.
While McCann can still be a valuable piece as a leader and game caller for a contending team in 2017, Gary Sanchez's arrival and the Yankees' suddenly long-term view makes anything possible this month.
McCann is batting .236 with 15 home runs and 42 RBIs in 86 games this season.
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