Jimcanuck

PIRATES ACQUIRE Miguel Yajure, RHP Age: 22 The Yankees signed Yajure out of Venezuela for $30,000 in 2015 on the strength of two innings at a tryout, Yajure He missed the 2017 season after having Tommy John surgery, returned in 2018 and broke out in 2019 as he jumped to Double-A. Yajure added velocity after the 2019 season through a weighted-ball program and a series of delivery tweaks designed to better incorporate his lower half. The result was a nearly 2 mph jump in his average velocity, up to 92 mph in 2020. Yajure complements his four-seamer with a cutter, slider, a low-80s curveball and high-80s changeup. He’s comfortable throwing his changeup to both sides. His curveball is a 12-to-6 breaker that he uses to form a tunnel with his four-seamer. His cutters and slider are newer weapons and were incorporated to help him better combat righthanders. Yajure made his big league debut on Aug. 31 and pitched seven innings over three outings. Roansy Contreras, RHP Age: 21 Contreras was one of many players in the minor leagues for whom 2020 was essentially a lost season. He was not invited to the Yankees’ alternate training site, and his addition to the 40-man roster meant he was not allowed to participate in the team’s instructional league program in the Dominican Republic. In 2019, he was part of a talented group of pitchers—along with righties Luis Medina, Alexander Vizcaino, Luis Gil and Matt Sauer—who started the year at Low-A Charleston. Of that group, Contreras has the lowest ceiling but highest floor. He had shown a small uptick in his fastball velocity at 2020 spring training before the shutdown and had begun touching 95 mph with the pitch. His next step is to improve the shape of his breaking ball. Currently, the pitch behaves somewhat like a slurve; the Yankees wanted to get it to act more like a slider. Contreras’ changeup is his best pitch because of its fade and drop and was effective against both righthanded and lefthanded hitters. Canaan Smith, OF Age: 21 After a rough go in the short-season New York-Penn League in 2018, Smith was excellent in 2019 at Low-A Charleston. In fact, he was one of just 15 players in the minor leagues with 30 or more doubles, 10 or more home runs and 15 or more stolen bases. In terms of hard contact, Smith was one of the best in the Yankees’ system. He averaged an 89.4 mph exit velocity in 2019 and reached as high as 110 mph. He has a solid idea of the strike zone and posted a swinging-strike rate of just 9.7%. Scouts were somewhat concerned about how he’d handle upper-level pitching, but didn’t get to answer those questions because of the wiped out minor league season in 2020. He’s a below-average defender in left field and has a fringe-average throwing arm. He’s an average runner, too, but shows excellent instincts on the basepaths. Maikol Escotto, SS Age: 18 Escotto was outstanding in his debut season in the Dominican Summer League. He shows impressive instincts and athleticism for his age and has shown the ability to handle both velocity and offspeed pitches. He’s got smooth footwork and soft hands on the infield and has plus arm strength, having touched 93 mph on throws across the diamond though he could wind up moving to second base for the long-term. Escotto’s .981 OPS was eighth in the DSL in 2019, and he hit 12 home runs between there and extended spring training. He’s topped at 106 mph exit velocities.

BA doesn't have its up to date top 30 for each team out yet. The other 3 are outside the top 10.

3 seasons of control on Taillon, who is making $2.25M this year 1 season of control on Bryant @$19.5M, who will almost 100% go to free agency 3 contract years left on Hendriks @ $14M per The costs and Bryant's impending free agency deflate the Cubs return and the number of suitors. Also the Taillon contract suggests why the Yankees went this route, trying to get under the luxury tax threshold. Moreno, Kloff, Pardinho might be enough on its own.

BA has Yajure as the NYY's #7. An odd route for NY to take, but Cashman being Cashman, they must have solid data they are relying on.

The Yankees must have had some assurances on Taillon to make this deal, right?

Never happen. Pirates have better offers already, no doubt.

Even more so, Chris Archer. Some team would be smart to get him to agree and sign as a bullpen piece.

Maybe not, who knows about the new CBA and what Rogers plans to do with what is right now their prize asset.

Yes, mostly Springer benefit, obviously. I was responding to connorp saying its only for Springer benefit. Everyone here knows it was in the Jays interest, given where the team is, to frontload.

The 2021 payout is $32M, 2022 is $28M. Increases payroll flexibility for the team in future years to retain the core. For luxury tax considerations, a separate matter and probably a non-issue for the Jays, the total amount is spread over the term, at least according to Max.

Who knows what the payroll parameters are that Shatkins has to work with. Probably not more than $150M, and they will want to leave some $10M at least for in season additions.

Mutual benefit

That's a great structure, even in year 5 and 6 Springer should be in the 1.5-2 WAR range, $22.5M is not too bad.

Hard no

A lot can happen in baseball between now and the time Martin is ready for MLB. He's probably a candidate for every position but 1B and C.

If you go to the player page, there is a writeup.

BA ranks and writes up a top 30 for each team every year.

Some people have too much time on their hands

I was under the impression Walker had already signed with the Jays lol

I've never understood the reports of BJ interest in JTR. He's like the last target for a FA signing. Jays are rock solid at C for years to come.

Was this all triggered by the Atlanta guy?

Well this is true. Generally good pitchers come available for trade right up to the deadline. Until then, maybe Pearson is delivering SP2 quality innings (limited innings admittedly), or SWR is elevated and delivers like Guzman in 1991. Options for an SP2 do not end when the season starts. Having said that, I doubt Brantley is the last domino.

Maybe, maybe not. Nothing wrong with going into the season with a stacked lineup, and a bundle of 4.60 FIP pitchers of the Porcello ilk.

If the Jays are playing in Buffalo, this team is going to be circling the bases a fair bit. Curious as to how pitching will be addressed. After Bauer, the remaining FA pitchers do not inspire confidence. But then again, with this lineup, a durable innings eater like Porcello can win 15 games.

Never better. Just hold off on the holier than thou stuff in the future, ok.