Brian Cashman repeatedly glanced downward as he fielded questions during Friday’s virtual press conference to announce the trade for star closer Devin Williams.
The Yankees GM addressed his fidgety demeanor as he gave his answers to the Yanks’ latest big move, telling reporters that he was multitasking, reading text messages from other clubs as the longest-tenured general manager in the game continued to mine the market for other moves to bolster the roster and make up for the loss of Juan Soto.
“As you see - my phone - I keep looking down, because I keep getting connection of texts back and forth with other opportunities that may exist in the marketplace,” Cashman said.
Some big names have already come off the board. Kyle Tucker has reportedly been traded to the Cubs, as perhaps the splashiest name that the Yankees could have pounced on is no longer available, but several names still remain. Whether it be Alex Bregman or Cody Bellinger, Cashman says no option is being ignored.
“The job isn't finished here,” Cashman said. “We constantly are having to find ways to, at least in our minds, think we’re getting better one way or another...Now is time to strike. It's the winter time with the inventory that's available either in trade or free agency. Eventually, that inventory is going to get a lot smaller.”
The Yanks have already acquired one of the best closers in the sport in Williams and one of the best free-agent starters on the market in Max Fried, but they came up short in their bid for arguably the biggest free agent in the history of the sport in Soto. So, while the pitching staff has undeniably been fortified, Cashman knows there is a lot of work to be done, and positional holes need to be filled. Soto is gone and Alex Verdugo is a free agent, meaning the outfield has to be addressed. Caleb Durbin, considered a legit candidate to be the Opening Day second baseman, was dealt for Williams, so that position needs an answer. It could become an internal answer with Oswald Peraza or even Oswaldo Cabrera, but Cashman plans on making more moves before players report to camp.
“As I said, the job is not done yet,” Cashman said. “We have more to do. Hopefully we run into some opportunities that makes sense for two sides…I hope to have more Zoom calls with you all at some point to talk about something else.”
As Cashman wrapped up his response, he glanced down at what certainly was his cellphone, which could be heard vibrating off camera.