Are The Yankees Done Spending This Off Season?

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @christineeeeO

Image credit: thegreedypinstripes.com

The Yankees, to many peoples' surprise, sat on the sidelines for the most part of this wild offseason. Although they haven't been completely quiet this offseason as they did sign Andrew Miller and Chase Headley which amounted to nearly $100 million in total salary, but it pales in comparison to other offseasons. The plan this year has not been like previous Yankees' offseasons. 

More than anything, it sure wouldn't hurt to add another starting pitcher. With Max Scherzer signed to the Nationals and Jon Lester to the Cubs, the only ace on the market is James Shields, though the Yankees have said countless times that they are not going to pursue any of the expensive options. But, these are the Yankees, of course. They like to remain quiet then suddenly erupt with blockbuster contracts. Ownership could all of the sudden decide that James Shields is worth the money, but it seems unlikely at this point. 

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After acquiring Didi Gregorius, Nathan Eovaldi, and a legion of young relievers, the Yankees have made it obvious that their old strategy of "buy all of the good players" just doesn't work as it once did.  I'm sure they would love to splurge this year or even next, but $210-215 million is the ceiling to the Yankees' budget, then it appears they will have to work with what they have. 

Now that Hiroki Kuroda has decided to return to Japan and pitch for the Hiroshima Carp, the starting rotation is: CC Sabathia, Michael Pineda, Masahiro Tanaka, Chris Capuano and Nathan Eovaldi. CC's knee may feel better, and Tanaka's elbow may appear to be fine, but the Yankees seem to suffer many injuries throughout the season. Ivan Nova will return in May or June and take one of those spots, but the rotation would be much stronger with another reliable pitcher in the mix.

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If Brian Cashman can make the team competitive through minimal yet savvy free agent signings and trades, minor league transactions and some help from the talent in the farm system, then I would imagine the team has a bright future. 

Although the team seems very lack-luster as of right now (especially now that the core-four is completely gone), the Yankees may have learned from their past mistakes with overspending and may be onto something bigger.