New York Yankees

Most logical fans know the New York Yankees will not be sellers at the deadline, but there is room for addition by subtraction.

It is nearly certain that the New York Yankees will not sell at this year’s trade deadline. However, that does not eliminate a potential departure of a piece to the 25-man roster.

With that comes Brian McCann, whose value cannot be denied yet has served his purpose in the Bronx. His 26 homer, 94 RBI season just a year ago has translated to a 20 homer, 66 RBI pace this year along with a dismal .211 batting average.

While he adds an 11-year veteran presence to the pitching staff, it has come to the point where the Yankee catching situation can be called a straight platoon.

Manager Joe Girardi is practically splitting time between McCann and backup Austin Romine on a lefty-righty basis.

The Yankee starting catcher has struggled to say the least, but his value in the American League and his respect level throughout baseball is as high as it has been throughout his career.

All-Star voting may not mean much, but he still ranks third among catchers despite performing well below standards. At this stage, it is the name that counts.

In the case of the Yanks, they have discovered a gem in Romine that they truly did not see coming. His bat has been exceptionally better than advertised and his defense has always been a strength. In addition, Gary Sanchez, who has spent seven years in the Yankee system as a top prospect, still awaits deserved at-bats in the majors.

While McCann’s veteranship, as mentioned before, helps the staff, the majority of the arms are either veterans themselves or have developed a rhythm with Romine as well.

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This leads to the question of McCann’s place in the Bronx, and why the Yankees would not part with him when his value is low in their eyes and high in the eyes of outsiders?

Large contracts are an issue when shipping players of this caliber, and $34 million is the combined amount owed over the next two years to the Yankee backstop.

With that said, the controlling aspect of receiving the 32-year-old can be an attraction. Two more guaranteed years of control on a catcher who for the past decade has been among the league leaders offensively for his position may work for many organizations.

The dollar amount may be a burden on the good old checkbook, but the positive impact on a team in need of a solidified catcher would be felt.

Let’s face it. The numbers McCann is currently putting up for the Yankees are below average based on the standard he has set, but would be well above average for any team with plummeting production out of the position.

If the Yankees want to continue their rebuild in disguise that has been going on for years, this would be a way to do so without hurting the team’s win column.

His value, particularly to a team of offensive need, would most likely entail multiple above average prospects or a couple of major league ready options in an organization. New York would not be shipping him for free, they would be receiving vital pieces toward their future.

All of the talk is regarding the big three at the back end of the bullpen as trade bait, but that would hurt the team’s ability to win now. The front office is by no means intending to hurt the club’s ability to make the playoffs once again.

Trading their catcher would open the door to next year and beyond, rid themselves of a large contract, and void already stale offensive production.

The general idea may not be the first thing on general manager Brian Cashman’s mind right now, but you can be certain that it is not the last. If the Yankees want to be bold and formulate a solution to an expensive platoon, the trade market is a convenient way to earn the best of both worlds.

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