Radio host prods Yankees GM to ‘wake up’ from slumber after O’s snatch Burnes

Saturday February 3, 2024

The acquisition of Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes by the Baltimore Orioles has raised concerns about the New York Yankees’ offseason strategy, with some expressing dissatisfaction with what they perceive as less assertive moves.

Despite GM Brian Cashman successfully securing marquee players like Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Marcus Stroman, the perceived minimal cost for Burnes (involving prospects DL Hall and Joey Ortiz) has prompted questions about the Yankees’ approach compared to the acquisitions made.

On WFAN, Brandon Tierney urged Cashman to “wake up” following the Orioles, last season’s AL East champions, strengthening their rotation. He pondered whether his team may have missed an opportunity, proposing that they could have presented comparable prospects to outbid Baltimore.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman is seen just before speaking to reporters on November 7, 2023. — AP

Are the Yankees on the backfoot?

Baseball America countered the critique of the Yankees‘ farm system, stating that it is “overblown” and highlighting their highly-ranked prospects. However, Tierney likely took into account the depth the Bombers sacrificed in recent trades, especially in pitching.

The departure of four pitchers and catcher Kyle Higashioka in the Soto trade, two more pitchers in the Verdugo trade, and the losses of Wandy Peralta and Keynan Middleton in free agency have created a need for the Yankees to replenish their pitching pipeline.

While acknowledging the Yankees’ potential, Tierney expresses concern that the Orioles’ new ownership and assertive moves could challenge the team’s dominance in the division. He underscores the significant changes within the division in recent days, signaling a more competitive landscape for the Bronx Bombers.

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