So does this mean the Yankees are planning on non-tendering IKF?
Agreed. I actually think they'll trade Torres this offseason, try to trade Donaldson, and then stick with a combination of LeMahieu/IKF/Cabrera/Peraza between 2B/3B/SS. And then eventually add Volpe to the mix during the season. I think Rizzo comes back, and I think Judge also comes back (on a deal that will cripple us down the line). I can't see Cashman getting rid of IKF because it would mean he was wrong. But maybe sticking him at third (his best position) could have some kind of positive effect. My best guess opening day lineup:
1. DJL 2B
2. Judge RF
3. Rizzo 1B
4. Stanton DH
5. Free Agent LF (maybe re-sign Beni, or could see them sign one of Brantley/Haniger/Nimmo)
6. Bader CF
7. Peraza SS
8. IKF 3B
9. Trevino/Higgy C
Not great, but not awful either.
If Cashman gets that new extension, it's a great time to be a Yankee hater.
Championships since purchase by John Henry group: Red Sox 4 Yankees 1
The Red Sox are 8-1 in their last 9 postseason games against the Yankees.
Getting IKF would not have been“wrong.” The Yankees wanted a one year stopgap to Peraza/Volpe. He did exactly that.
Now it comes down to whether or not he has a future with NY. If the Yankees go with 2b - Peraza, SS - Volpe, 3b - Torres, do they need him? Especially with Lamahieu trying to fit in somewhere?