The New York Yankees finally struck a blockbuster deal this offseason, but not one fans expected.
The Yankees have traded Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for third baseman Josh Donaldson, shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa and catcher Ben Rortvedt, according to multiple reports, including Audacy’s Jon Heyman.
Per Joel Sherman of the NY Post, the Yankees are taking on all of the $50 million Donaldson, 36, is owed over the next two years.
Kiner-Falefa’s primary position is shortstop, although he does have experience around the infield as well as catcher.
The infielder, who turns 27 this month, is a contact hitter who had a slash line of .271/.312/.357 last season.
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Sanchez has become a pariah in New York in recent seasons for his lackluster defense and inconsistency at the plate. He burst onto the scene in 2016, belting 20 home runs in 53 games and has had two 30-plus home runs seasons, but hit just 23 home runs with 54 RBI last year with a .204/.307/.423 slash line.
Urshela has been a pleasant surprise and one of the more reliable Yankees in recent years. He’s one of the better defensive third baseman in the league and has slashed .292/.335.480 over the last three seasons in New York.
Donaldson will certainly provide plenty of power for the Yankees. The right-hander hit 26 home runs and drove in 72 RBI with a slash line of .247/.352/.475 last season for the Twins.
But Donaldson has left much to be desired in recent seasons defensively at the hot corner.
Rortvedt, 24, appeared in 39 games for the Twins last season and hit .169 with a .510 OPS.
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