WOW. Just after GM Brian Cashman said the market wasn’t very good and the Yankees would likely stand pat, a novel idea was brought up by Peter Gammons. According to Gammons, who was on with Mike Francesa Tuesday afternoon, “I look at the Yankees and I wonder if they would take the Padres out from Kimbrel’s contract. I don’t think they (Padres) could get a lot for him because of the money. I think it would be a typical Brian Cashman deal to say: “Ok, I’ll take your money. I’m not giving up one or two of my best prospects. But I’ll give you two or three guys and take the money.”
Therefore, Cashman can definitely make a deal, however, it is uncertain what pieces he’d be willing to give up. Gammons later went on to say “Brian Cashman is so stealth. He amazes me. He’s so good at coming in there and saying “We’re not giving up a (Louis) Severino, but we’ll give you some other pieces and take the money.” Kimbrel commands a large salary, receiving $9 million this season, $11 million next season, and $13 million the next two seasons, so the Yankees can afford the 27 year-old and the Padres would love to lose the burden of a large contract.
Craig Kimbrel is without a doubt one of the best closers in the game today. Add him to an already powerful one-two punch of All-Star Dellin Betances and lefty Andrew Miller, and the Yankees would arguably have the best bullpen in baseball. Having Kimbrel would especially help because CC Sabathia and Nathan Eovaldi haven’t been able to go deep into games. Having depth in the bullpen would provide a nice safety blanket.
Kimbrel is a four-time All-Star and has been a lethal closer for the Braves and now Padres, with a career 1.60 ERA and topping 46+ saves three times. His ability to strike-out batters is impressive with a 14.6 SO9 (strike-outs per 9 innings) average. Again, who knows who Cashman would give in return for Kimbrel, but with the postseason fast approaching, a decent prospect might be worth dealing at the chance of a ring.
The link to Peter Gammons’ interview with Mike Francesa can be heard here.
