New York Yankees Begin Active Offseason with Trade of Jake Bauers

The New York Yankees are gearing up for an eventful offseason, and it all started with a minor trade. Prior to the league’s non-tender deadline, the Yankees traded outfielder Jake Bauers to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for two promising minor leaguers.

Bauers’ Future with the Yankees

At 28 years old, Bauers faced an uncertain path to the Yankees’ big-league roster next season. Despite not playing in the majors in 2022, he had a somewhat resurgent 2023 season, appearing in 84 games and hitting .202 with 12 home runs and a .693 OPS. This improvement was credited to the retooled swing taught by Triple-A hitting coach Trevor Amicone.

MLB Trade Rumors projected that Bauers, who also plays first base, would earn $1.7 million in salary arbitration next season.

The Trade Details

In return for Bauers, the Yankees received outfielders Jace Avina, 20, and Brian Sanchez, 19. Avina, a 14th-round pick by the Brewers in 2021, had an impressive season in Low-A Carolina, hitting .233 with 14 home runs, 50 RBIs, and an .815 OPS in 99 games. Sanchez performed well in the Dominican Summer League, hitting .297 with no home runs and a .860 OPS in 33 games.

The Yankees’ Offseason Plans

The Yankees are expected to be highly active during the offseason. They have been linked to numerous major free agents and have shown interest in trade scenarios involving players like Juan Soto of the San Diego Padres. General manager Brian Cashman has expressed a desire to prioritize adding a left-handed hitting center fielder and left fielder to the team.

Cashman also mentioned the team’s surplus of infielders and the possibility of involving players like Oswald Peraza in trade talks. Additionally, with Gleyber Torres entering the last year of his contract, the Yankees will need to consider his future with the team.

As the offseason unfolds, the Yankees will continue to make moves in their quest to build a championship-caliber roster for the upcoming season.

(Photo of Jake Bauers: Rick Osentoski / USA Today)