The Yankees are in the midst of a crucial offseason, and Hal Steinbrenner said Wednesday that changes are coming.
Sal says the biggest change needs to come from Hal himself, and it needs to come from his wallet.
The Yankees have drawn heavy criticism from their own fanbase for years when it comes to the luxury tax and the team’s efforts to avoid penalties. It began after the 2017 season, when the Bombers game one win short of a World Series, saw their payroll decrease due to expiring contracts, and didn’t make a notable move outside of acquiring Giancarlo Stanton. It continued the following winter, when the front office didn’t seem to make a competitive pitch to either Manny Machado or Bryce Harper.
Now, Sal says it’s time for Hal to throw his money around, even if some of it doesn’t bring back the desired return on investment.
“The Yankees don’t need the discipline anymore,” Sal said. “Right now, they need to risk being a little reckless. Pay some guys to go away, and spend the money.
“How do you think George would feel knowing that his beloved Yankees haven’t made the World Series since 2009?”
George certainly bought himself into some bad free agent contracts, but Sal says Hal can’t have that concern right now, while Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge are in their prime. There is no time to wait on prospects. It’s time to go out and spend on established names.
