Reaction: Frazier, D-Rob, and Kahnle! Oh My!

On Tuesday night, the Yankees made a blockbuster deal, sending four players to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for third baseman Todd Frazier, and right-handers David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle. Prior to the Yankees pulling the trigger, there were rumors that Frazier and Robertson would make their way to the Boston Red Sox. However in the 11th hour, the Yankees swooped in and claimed Frazier, Robertson and Kahnle for themselves. After having approximately 12 hours to process the deal, here are my thoughts: Overall: The Yankees sent Tyler Clippard, Blake Rutherford, Ian Clarkin and Tito Polo to the White Sox, and I believe Rutherford was included because the Yankees wanted Kahnle in the deal as well. In all honesty, there was no room for Rutherford on the Yankees, especially with the surplus of outfielders in front of him. You have Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury, Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Clint Frazier, and Dustin Fowler as Major League-ready outfielders. And all three outfield spots will be filled by the time Rutherford's ready to make his Major League debut. Then, we have Clippard; Clippard came to the Yankees in a trade last July from the Arizona Diamondbacks, and was one of two Major League acquisitions that year. Adam Warren, who was acquired in the Aroldis Chapman deal, was the other. Clippard had a dominant finish to the 2016 season, but he suffered multiple bumps in the road in 2017. Clippard finished his stint with the Yankees going 1-5 with a 4.95 ERA in 36.1 innings, all while contributing to the Yankees blowing a Major League-leading 18 saves as a team. With the acquisitions of Robertson and Kahnle, Clippard became expendable. And if the Yankees wanted Robertson, they were going to have to give away Major League talent. Maybe a change of scenery will be good for Clippard. It did help last season. Now, how will Frazier, Robertson and Kahnle help the Yankees? Todd Frazier: Frazier is the only one of the three that will be a free agent at the end of the 2017 season. The Yankees plan to have Frazier at third base. His season numbers aren't anything to write home about; he's hitting .207/.328/.432 in 81 games. However, he did hit .261 in June, and the Yankees are hoping a change of pace and scenery will rejuvenate his bat. David Robertson: Robertson returning to the Yankees is probably my favorite part of the entire deal. Robertson will be with the Yankees for the rest of this year, and the 2018 season. Prior to coming to the Yankees, Robertson went 4-2 with a 2.70 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 33.1 innings. The best part of Robertson returning to the Yankees is the familiarity on both parts. Robertson knows his set role and the Yankees know what production they'll get from him. It's a win-win on both ends. Tommy Kahnle: Getting Frazier and Robertson in the blockbuster deal was good. Getting Kahnle in the deal was better. Kahnle was originally drafted by the Yankees in 2010 before he was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the Rule 5 Draft in 2013. He's done well out of the bullpen for the Rockies and the White Sox. But in 2017, Kahnle put up career numbers, going 1-3 with a 2.50 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 36 innings. The best part in acquiring Kahnle is he's under team control until the 2020 season. The Verdict: The Yankees got exactly what they needed without giving up too much. They also reunited with fan-favorite David Robertson, and have now put themselves in a position to contend. We don't know how the trade will pan out, but as of last night the Yankees have definitely put themselves in a good position to win.