Brian Cashman 'excited' to negotiate with CC Sabathia's agent
For the first time in eight seasons, CC Sabathia is a free agent. While Sabathia has expressed interest in returning to the Yankees, there's one little thing that stands in Sabathia's way; negotiations. Sabathia will only return to the Yankees at the right price. The Yankees want Sabathia on a deal that helps them get under the $197 Million threshold. Luckily, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is excited about negotiating with Sabathia's agent, and hopes both sides can agree on a contract so Sabathia can pitch in the Bronx next season.
Cashman said he’s excited to speak with CC Sabathia’s agent this week: “Nothing but appreciation [for Sabathia]. Now he’s back in free agency. It’s a business for the player, a business for the club. We all know that. He’s a pro’s pro.” @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 14, 2017
Sabathia was a workhorse in the Yankees rotation last season, going 14-5 with a 3.69 ERA, a 1.271 WHIP, and a 2.8 WAR in 148.2 innings. Prior to Game 7 of the American League Division Series, Sabathia was 10-0 following a Yankees loss, which helped propel them to that do-or-die game. The Yankees reuniting with Sabathia makes too much sense, especially since he's the only obstacle in a mostly set rotation. The Yankees already have Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, Sonny Gray and Jordan Montgomery slotted as four of the five starters. Plus, if the Yankees can get Sabathia to agree to a one-year deal, it could help the Yankees become big spenders in the near future.
Cashman on staying under $197M threshold: “What better year to do that, than when you — for the most part — have people on the roster who are young, controllable and cost-effective? It’s going to give us a real chance to . . . live to fight bigger and better days ahead.” @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 14, 2017
Could the bigger fight be Bryce Harper? Manny Machado? Who knows, but maybe the key to getting either superstar on the free agent market could be signing Sabathia to a team friendly contract. And it's no secret everyone wants Sabathia to don Yankees pinstripes in 2018.