I am writing this on February 3, 2023 when Aaron Hicks & Josh Donaldson are still on the Yankees roster. Now I know the Yankees made some big time moves early in the offseason, re-signing Aaron Judge to a huge deal and getting another ace in Carlos Rodon.
But again…. Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson are still on the roster. Has Brian Cashman been hibernating since those two deals?
The Yankees basically gave up on Aaron Hicks last year in the playoffs by starting Oswaldo Cabrera or Giancarlo Stanton in left field. It was the right move then and it’s the right move now. Aaron Hicks offers absolutely nothing to this team. In years past you could of argued he was a good outfielder, but he proved last year he is bad at that as well. He can draw the occasional walk but other than that, he is useless, especially to a team that is trying to contend for a championship.
Now Josh Donaldson was apart of maybe Brian Cashman’s worst trade as the Yankees GM. He gave up Gio Urshela (I miss you) and Gary Sanchez for Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner Falefa. The Yankees got absolutely no production from them, other than Donaldson being elite at 3B. Donaldson is old, washed up and honestly not a very likable guy. It should of been Cashman’s first move in the offseason getting rid of him. Just cut him. No one wants to trade for this guy, he is terrible.
The Yankees need to let the young guys play this season. Start Cabrera in left field if you can’t make a blockbuster trade for a guy like Reynolds. Start Peraza at shortstop, or Volpe, if he’s ready. Have IKF be your utility infielder to give some guys some off days. Go with a youth movement while still having the veterans like Judge, Rizzo & Stanton lead the charge.
Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson just can not be on the roster come opening day. If they are, it is a complete failure by the Yankees front office and Brian Cashman specifically.
The Yankees have arguably the best rotation & bullpen in baseball. Give them a good lineup that can make contact come playoff time and this team has a chance to win it all. Don’t let the reputations of Hicks & Donaldson get in the way. Please, all Yankee fans are begging.
Cam's Corner 